'Incredibly inspirational': Transplant recipients around world compete in Banff games

Organ transplant recipients, donors and their families from around the world gathered in Banff last week to compete in a variety of winter sports.

The 11th World Transplant Winter Games — which is the only one of its kind — was held in Canada for the first time, drawing more than 100 recipients and donors from 17 countries.

Liz Schick, creator of the event, started the games nearly 20 years ago in memory of Nicholas Green, a seven-year-old American boy whose organs were donated after being killed in an attempted car robbery.

Schick adds that the event works toward spreading awareness and promoting physical activity among those who have had organ transplants. That way, they're not frightened by what they can or can't do.

"I think it's something that's very important to have physical activity after the transplant," she said. "It helps you feel happier because maybe you get a transplant and then afterward you could feel guilt because someone died and saved their life."

The athletes — whose ages ranged from six to nearly 80 — took part in a variety of events like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and curling.

"It's a very important moment at the end of the games to show how these kids can really live life to the full post-transplant."

One competitor was 11-year-old Temperance Reid, from England, who had a heart transplant as a baby.

Her mom, Claire Reid, says the girl is a perfect example of never giving up.

"Ten years ago today, I took a video of her walking for the first time after transplant, at 13 months, and her being here is just amazing," said Reid.

Brenda Brown, president of the Canadian Transplant Association, adds that this event brings a variety of inspiring stories. 

"It's incredibly inspirational and even seeing the 70-plus — I think there was a 78-year-old gentleman that was skiing here and competing — and I'm like, 'I'm going to keep my skis on for as long as I possibly can,'" said Brown.

Brown, a transplant recipient, received a kidney from her daughter seven years ago. She says one of the reasons she got involved with the games is because of the community and relationship with other families.

She adds that sign-ups to be organ donors have increase due to the awareness around Green Shirt Day — a nationwide event that raises organ donation awareness — but says less than a quarter of Canadians have signed up to be donors despite 90 per cent being in favour.

"These are kids that are thriving because somebody was selfless and agreed to donate organs," she said.