'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.

The11th World Transplant Winter Games which is the only one of its kind was held inCanada for the first time, drawing more than 100 recipients and donors from 17 countries.

Liz Schick, creator of the event, startedthe games nearly 20 years ago inmemory of Nicholas Green, aseven-year-old American boy whose organs were donated after beingkilled in an attempted car robbery.

Schickadds 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 sixto 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-oldTemperance Reid, from England, who had a heart transplant as a baby.

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

"Ten years ago today, Itook 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 thisevent 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 saysone of the reasons shegot involved with the games is because of the community and relationship with otherfamilies.

She adds that sign-ups to be organ donors have increase due to the awareness around Green Shirt Day a nationwide event that raisesorgan donation awareness but says less than a quarter of Canadianshave 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.