24 Belgians left Zaventem airport on Thursday bound for Perth, Australia, to participate in the World Transplant Games. They make up Belgium's largest delegation ever to the sports competition dedicated to people who have received an organ transplant.
"The games aim to demonstrate that even after a transplant everything is still possible,” emphasises Raf Dubois, a member of the delegation. “We all live with extra time, which we would not have experienced without the transplant. To be able to participate is already a victory in itself. It will be very emotional.”
Nearly 2,000 athletes will participate in this year’s gathering, which will be held from April 15 to 21. The event has been organised since 1978.
The Belgian delegation is participating in several disciplines: notably cycling, tennis, bowling, athletics and darts. Other sports on the programme in Perth include squash, badminton, volleyball, swimming, golf and bowls. This year, the first sprint triathlon of the Games will also be organised, with the participation of a Belgian athlete.
The next World Transplant Games will be held in 2025 in Dresden, Germany. The city of Leuven was also a candidate to host the event but narrowly missed out to the German city.
