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For
the first time two NGOs, MOHAN and TANKER
Foundation had taken the responsibility and challenge of
organising such an unique event. Transplant games is about human
endurance, spirit and tenacity to spring back to life after
undergoing complex surgery and motivate other patients with
organ failure and give them the courage to face the future with
hope. "Back to Life" was the theme of
this event. Around 2000 transplant patients and their families,
doctors, college students, members of various clubs and
organisations and volunteers participated to make it a great
success.
The
event began with an Awareness Walk on organ donation with 1500
college students taking the lead. The event was inaugurated by
the Chief Guest Mr.R.Natraj,I.P.S., Commissioner of
Police, Chennai. Mr.K.Srikkanth, who has inspired many an
aspiring cricketer, hoisted the flag of the All India Transplant
Games Federation. On this special occasion, a souvenir titled,"Life...Pass
It On" was released along with the fifteenth edition of
the Indian Transplant Newsletter and a Physician's Manual on
Cadaver Transplantation. The highlight of the event was the
signing of the giant Donor Card by all the guests endorsing
organ donation.
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Various
track and field events like Relay, Badminton, Tennis, Table
Tennis, Discuss throw, Javelin, Shot put and Swimming were held
for the participants. While it was heartening to see all the
winners excited and full of enthusiasm, to all those who
watched, every single transplant recipient who participated was
worthy of a medal. A cultural night was also held for all the
participants and their families. Vempathi Ravi Shankar, who
is a kidney transplant patient, gave a graceful yet
energetic dance performance and seeing him in action boosted the
confidence of the audience. They joined the orchestra and sang
songs in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Singhalese. After two
days of fun and games, the event came to a close with a
short Valedictory function. The Guests of Honour were India's
very own World Champion in Long Jump, Mrs. Anju Bobby George and
Mr. Bobby George, himself a successful athlete and now, Anju's
coach. The winners in the various events of the Transplant games
were happy to receive their medals from two such inspiring and
distinguished persons.
The
prizes won were:
FIRST
INDIA - 24
GOLD,23 SILVER,24 BRONZE
SECOND
SRI LANKA - 9 GOLD,12 SILVER,2 BRONZE
THIRD
NEPAL - 8
GOLD,7 SILVER,8 BRONZE
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