Funding boost for 2023 World Transplant Games

The Morrison Government is investing a further $400,000 in the 2023 World Transplant Games to be held in Perth, Western Australia.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said this funding is in addition to $600,000 the Government has previously allocated to support the successful delivery of the games.

"The World Transplant Games have grown to become the largest organ and tissue donation sporting event in the world," Minister Colbeck said.

"It's a worldwide celebration of the importance and success of transplantation, living a healthy, active lifestyle, and the gift of life.

"Participants will compete in a number of sports ranging from high energy sports such as swimming, athletics and cycling, through to low impact sports like ten pin bowling, table tennis and petanque.

"The games are another major sporting event in our green and gold decade and we look forward to welcoming up to 2,000 transplant athletes as well as family, supporters and crew from 60 countries, over seven action packed days, in Perth."

The World Transplant Games are staged every two years for people who have undergone either solid organ or bone marrow transplants, while donor family members and living donors can also participate in selected events.

Australia has previously hosted the World Transplant Games twice, in Sydney in 1997 and the Gold Coast in 2009.

Transplant Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Thomas said the World Transplant Games is an important fixture on the sporting calendar for transplant recipients.

"The games provide a unique opportunity to cast a spotlight on the lives of those saved by the gift of life," Mr Thomas said.

"This support will enable us to leverage the games to promote organ and tissue donation.

"More than 1800 Australians are currently waiting for an organ transplant and our goal is to ensure that all Australians register as organ donors."

The 24th World Transplant Games is being held in Perth from 15-21 April 2023.