NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto to Host 8th Canadian Transplant Games
August 8-13, 2016
“Competing with the strength of our gift!”
Toronto – April 22, 2015 - The 8th Canadian Transplant Games will be taking place in Toronto from August 8-13, 2016,
and will be the first time Canada’s largest city has hosted the event.
The Canadian Transplant Games provide thousands of transplant recipients the opportunity to celebrate a second
chance at life while enjoying the competition and camaraderie amongst their peers. The Games were first held in
Sherbrooke in 2000 and most recently in Moncton in 2014. Other great Canadian cities such as Calgary, Windsor,
Edmonton, Quebec City and St. John’s, Newfoundland, have also served as past hosts. The Games draw hundreds of
people from all over the country and abroad, raising awareness for organ and tissue donation. In 2016, the City of
Toronto will provide the perfect backdrop and location for these special events.
“We are very excited that the 2016 games will be held in Toronto and we are looking forward to showcasing the city’s
vibrancy, world-class facilities and unique cultural mosaic,” said Sandra Holdsworth - Canadian Transplant Association
Provincial Director - Ontaio. “The Canadian Transplant Games are an opportunity for us to raise awareness for organ and
tissue donation, educate, and encourage the public to consider donation.”
A total of eleven sporting events, including aquatics, badminton, bowling, cycling, golf, lawn bowling, race walking,
tennis, track & field, triathlon, and table tennis will take place in venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area from
August 8 – 13, 2016, along with some fun family events. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and cheer on
the athletes competing in their events.
The Games officially launch today with a kick-off event at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square, featuring Dr. Eric Hoskins,
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; Ronnie Gavsie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Trillium Gift of Life
Network; Dr. Atul Humar, Director of the University Health Network Multi-Organ Transplant Program; and Marnie
McBean, three-time Olympic Gold medallist.
The CTA is a national registered charitable organization founded in 1987 to raise awareness about organ and tissue
donation and to celebrate the success of transplants in saving lives. The CTA encourages and motivates transplant
recipients to maintain a healthy lifestyle by supporting athletic and other awareness events.
-30-
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lorraine Quartaro
Solutions with Impact
Director, Communications
416-433-7232 cell
416-703-5371 x 236
For French language services: Suzanne Camu, Coordinator of Stakeholder Relations, Canadian Transplant Association,
Ontario www.canadiantransplant.com Cell: 647-654-3194
NATIONAL ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION AWARENESS WEEK
April 19 - 25, 2015
Key Facts about Organ and Tissue Donation:





One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance as many as 75 lives through tissue donation.
There are 1,500 men, women and children in Ontario waiting for a life-saving transplant.
A signed donor card doesn’t mean you’re registered.
Anyone 16 years or older with an Ontario Health Card can register their consent to be an organ and
tissue donor.
All major religions support organ and tissue donation.
Simple ways you can help:

Confirm your decision and talk to your family - visit www.beadonor.ca to register your consent for
donation in Ontario

Share this message with everyone you know and encourage them to register their consent starting
Monday, April 20, 2015

Join the online conversation - here are some simple messages to tweet:
I’m a registered organ and tissue donor – are you? Register in just two minutes at www.beadonor.ca
One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Get registered at www.beadonor.ca #1saves8 #beadonor

For more information and/or to register your consent to be an organ and tissue donor in other
provinces and territories, please visit the Canadian Transplant Association’s website:
www.canadiantransplant.com