Train Smart, Not Hard! - How training can both help recovery and be fun - Inside this edition - World Transplant Games Federation
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2018 | Issue 1
Train Smart,
Not Hard!
How training can both help recovery and be fun
Inside this edition
All the action from the
World Transplant Winter
Games 2018
Countdown to the 2019
World Transplant Games
Fit for Life! Update
And more!
Inside this edition
02 Board of Trustees 08 World Transplant Winter Games 2018
03 Guest Editorial Anzére, Switzerland – report, photos
Train Smart, Not Hard! 12 Transplant Australia’s High Performance Camp
Jonas Vanbekbergen, Belgium Kate Carlyle
05 Message from the President Country Member News
06 Transplantoux Symposium – Exercise is 14 Spanish Transplant Games
Medicine 18 Hong Kong Transplant & Dialysis Games
Diethard Monbaliu and Stefan De Smet, Belgium 18 British Transplant Games
07 Athletes’ Advisory Commission 15 Games Review
Liam Barnett, UK 16 Fit for Life! Update
19 WTGF Future Event
NewcastleGateshead 2019
Officers and Councillors Acknowledgements
Editor: Chris Thomas
Sub Editor: Colleen Horan-Green
Executive: Content/Article Coordinator:
Karen Cole
Artwork: Inkcap Design, Bath, UK
www.inkcapdesign.co.uk
Printer: Printech Europe Ltd,
Chelmsford, UK
Chris Thomas Liz Schick Colin White
President Honorary Secretary Treasurer www.printecheurope.com
Front cover: Transplant recipient
Suzanne Halbish at a high
Trustees: performance camp at the Australian
Institute of Sport in Canberra,
Australia
Anders Billström Zachery Brooks Dr Ka-foon Chau Prof Won-Hyun
Cho
Olivier Coustere Vicente Granados Paul Harden André Lassooij
-Cabezas
WTGF
Basepoint Business Centre
1 Winnall Valley Road
Gudrun Manuwald- Willie Uys
Seemuller Winchester
SO23 0LD United Kingdom
Staff: Tel: +44 1962 832560
Email: wtgf@wtgf.org
Website: www.wtgf.org
Registered Address: World Transplant Games
Federation, Basepoint Business Centre, 1 Winnall
Valley Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LD, UK
Kim Renyard Gary Green Karen Cole Company limited by guarantee No.10323481
Executive Manager Sports Manager Office Administrator Registered in England
Page 2
GUEST EDITORIAL
Train Smart,
Not Hard!
Jonas Vanbekbergen is a sports trainer for
recreational and elite athletes who is now applying
his knowledge to help transplant recipients .
Here he explains how a carefully tailored training
programme can both help recovery and be fun
E
xercise is fun. And should be fun,
for physical activity should become Figure 1: Supercompensation Model
a part of daily life to attenuate
side effects of immunosuppression
and increase metabolic health. Some Supercompensation Involution
transplant recipients take it to the Training Stimulus
next level and reach physical fitness
levels well beyond those of the general
Fitness
population. This is their way to honour base level
their donor and to act as ambassadors of
a healthy lifestyle after transplantation.
These days an increasing number of
Recovery
sport events are being organized in
which both the general population and
transplant recipients participate. Just
as elite athletes are able to gain great
benefit from professional guidance to
reach their personal performance goals,
so can transplant recipients. Fatigue
I cannot stress enough the importance
of early physical rehabilitation after solid
organ transplantation. Starting with a low
physical capacity before transplantation, Zatsiorsky & Kraemer, 2016
with some usual further deterioration
in the early aftermath of the surgical in an attempt to find appropriate From my personal experience of working
procedure, it is pivotal to implement training recommendations, only to with transplant recipients in the last five
both aerobic and muscle strengthening get overwhelmed by the latest fitness years, I feel that an effective training
exercises early after transplantation. trends. Should I do kettle bell swings to programme is a tailored programme
However, here I briefly discuss my gain explosivity, perform high-intensity carefully balancing training stressors and
training philosophy in those who have interval training for aerobic capacity, eat the capacity to recover from them. The
already regained normal muscle strength paleo to stimulate adaptions in body latter not exclusively being influenced by
and fitness and who now aim to increase composition? One can’t see the forest physical factors, but also encompassing
exercise performance. for the trees anymore. Many ways lead to psychological aspects.
Many people browse the web Rome, none of them are the only way up. ‘Train hard or go home!’, a popular
quote by wannabe athletes. I prefer
to adapt it to ‘Train smart or go home’.
Many people browse the web in an Get the basics right: train frequently,
eat well, sleep well! Understand what
attempt to find appropriate training you are doing, why you are doing it, what
recommendations, only to get signals your body is giving you both
during and after training, and how your
overwhelmed by the latest fitness body responds to it. Train frequently,
but take care of the timing and the
trends.” load to enable a temporary status of
2018 Issue 1 | Page 3
GUEST EDITORIAL continued
Profile
Figure 2: How often should you train?
Training session Jonas
Vanbekbergen
Jonas has always been driven by
Fitness his passion for exercise and sport.
After his graduation as Master of
Science in Physical Education and
Movements Sciences, Jonas worked
as an exercise physiologist at KU
Leuven for about 8 years. Through
Time his experience, Jonas developed his
Fitness baseline
skills as a trainer of both recreational
and elite athletes.
Nowadays, Jonas applies his
knowledge to transplant recipients,
Normal recovery phase per sport guiding them in their journey from
- Highly individual different physically unfit patients to well-
- Strongly intensity-dependent trained ‘athletes’ capable of realising
their personal performance goals.
Whether this is finishing a 5 km walk
or winning a medal at the World
Transplant Games, his enthusiastic
approach is contagious and brings
out the best in everyone with whom
Endurance Strength Core stability & flexibility he works.
24h – 48hr ~ 3 à 4x/week 48h – 72hr ~ 2 à 3x/week 24h – 36hr ~ 4 à 5x/week
‘supercompensation’ (Figure 1). and recover from successive training days date of transplantation), comorbidities
This is a phase occurring following will be able to compete for gold. On the (i.e., musculoskeletal, pulmonary, etc.),
recovery from training, in which the body other hand, when successive training medication (i.e. beta-blockers decreasing
adapted itself to better handle a similar stimulus is provided too late, no long- heart rate), body composition, current
training stressor on a future occasion. term performance adaptations will be physical fitness (how was this assessed?),
You just got stronger! With well-timed accomplished with physical fitness levels current (last weeks) and past (last years)
successive training sessions, what we remaining stable at baseline level. Want training activity, etc. Try also to find out
call ‘progressive overload’, step by step to get FIT? Get your training frequency, what he or she already knows about
your fitness (and performance) level will intensity & time right! training strategies and principles.
increase. However, in case the successive Step two, describe exactly your SMART
training session is planned too early Three steps goal! What is the specific goal in the
(figure 2), physical fitness might drop Making one’s training schedule should long-term, and can this be divided into
due to accumulating fatigue, not per se pass three steps: (1) individual profiling multiple goals in the short term? How
leading to a greater supercompensation (who are we making a training program can we quantify whether the goal was
following a long period of recovery. In fact, for), (2) smart goal setting, and (3) create, reached? Is the goalsetting realistic and
this is a typical phenomenon observed implement, and constantly evaluate and achievable? When do we want to reach
during for instance the ‘Tour de France’. adapt the training strategy. this goal?
Physical fitness during such stage races A lot of factors need to be taken into And finally, step three, built the
progressively decreases over time in most account to gain insights in the profile road towards your goal. Make your
cyclists due to ‘overtraining’. Only those of the person you are working with. periodization, your training plan, which
with a tremendous capacity to cope with To name a few: medical history (i.e., is in fact the structuring of all your
sessions taking into account training
specificity, intensity, and volume, and of
Only those with a tremendous course the personal life/work balance.
capacity to cope with and recover from And remember, no better feeling as
when a plan comes together!
successive training days will be able to Jonas Vanbekbergen
compete for gold.” Belgium
Page 4
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Understanding the
barriers to physical activity
WTGF President Chris Thomas shares his thoughts on the complexities
involved in encouraging people to ‘get fit’
T
he consensus was overwhelming. ability to help themselves – that is those I hope everyone, especially those
The scene: a conference centre in who naturally tend to gravitate towards who are not very active, takes time to
Leuven, Belgium, where 200 or 300 health and fitness. complete the survey. The Federation
hundred people interested in exercise Our role, like a good classroom has a lot to learn if we are to achieve our
after transplantation had gathered. All teacher, must be to help those who need aim of ‘more transplant recipients, more
credit to Professor Diethard Monbaliu it the most. To help those who have a active, more often’.
from Transplantoux for organising fear of movement with their transplant. We will continue to offer first class
the ‘Exercise is Medicine’ conference Those who don’t know how to take the world events focused on sport – such
to celebrate 10 years of this exciting first steps? Those who are looking for as the Winter and Summer Games.
organisation. guidance and social support. However everywhere across the world
Throughout the two days speaker The next stage in our understanding the definition of sport and activity
after speaker rose to talk of the various of the complexities of this paradigm is changing. The traditional sports
benefits of exercise after transplantation. is to not just accept that everyone will model, where a person joins a club
The conference was ‘gold’ for the automatically start walking to get fit. and participates in only that sport, is
World Transplant Games Federation. It There are many barriers. And we need to changing. Some say traditional sport and
delivered right on message as part of our understand them. their clubs are on borrowed time.
Fit for Life! campaign. Certainly in Australia, people get their
And the consensus was that all Community survey physical activity ‘fix’ from a range of
recipients need to be active post- As this journal is being distributed we activities – park runs, exercising with the
transplant. The majority are not. And have a survey out to our community kids, walking the dog, going to the gym.
it undoubtedly leads to other health trying to understand the ‘barriers to So much of it now is very personally-
complications, possible graft loss and at physical activity post-transplant’. focused where it is ‘me’ time.
worse, death. It is all well and good to say to That’s where the traditional sports
So, what is the solution? ‘Exercise’, someone ‘get fit, go for a walk’. But what model still has a strong role to play –
‘start walking’, ‘join a gym’, went the cries. isf they have other complications such its about social inclusion, winning and
All makes perfect sense. as hypertension or diabetes? Maybe losing as a team, backing your mates and
Then why do some recipients they don’t have any feeling in their not letting them down.
naturally embrace these messages and extremities? Sport has a lot to learn if it is to
some remain glued to their lounge chair, Perhaps they are just too exhausted? continue to grow. At the WTGF we are
sedentary, refusing to budge? Have muscle stiffness, lower back pain or fortunate to have more than just the
all of the above? These are major barriers sports message – our message is one of
Re-engaging with sport and our messages will fall on deaf ears if thanks and encouraging recipients to
I have a theory. It is not rocket science we don’t first understand the root causes be their best – not just for themselves
and it is not based on any particular body of reluctance to begin a program of but for the donor who gave them that
of evidence. However I believe there physical activity. opportunity.
is naturally a strong correlation to the Perhaps it is the most common of
sport and physical activity undertaken complaints – the cost of participating in Chris Thomas
by people prior to their transplant to sport or going to a gym. President
the likelihood of them re-engaging with
sport after their transplant.
In other words – if you were fit and
active before your transplant, it is
probably likely you will become fit and
active after your transplant. Of course Why do some recipients naturally
there are exceptions but it is probably a
good general rule. embrace these messages and some
So who are we, as the Federation,
here to help? Of course everybody but
remain glued to their lounge chair,
perhaps less of those who have the sedentary, refusing to budge?
2018 Issue 1 | Page 5
TRANSPLANTOUX SYMPOSIUM
Exercise is Medicine
Diethard Monbaliu and Stefan De Smet report from
the Transplantoux Symposium
T
here is an emerging role for the governmental level, policy makers
physical activity in attenuating and slowly start to realise that physical What is
reversing the process of physical
deconditioning and muscle wasting
training as part of routine care not only
enhances patients’ physical and mental
Transplantoux?
before and after organ transplantation. health, but may also be a cost-effective
Indeed, evidence has shown tailored intervention considering the estimated
physical training to be feasible, safe, and decrease in hospital visits and total
effective throughout the whole course health care costs.
of organ failure and transplantation.
Reconditioning ideally starts before the It’s time for a different mindset!
transplantation, and continues during the On the occasion of the 10th anniversary
early and late post-transplant period. An of Transplantoux, we organised for
Transplantoux emphasizes the
active lifestyle post-transplant not only the first time a scientific symposium
importance of organ donation, raises
enables restoration of physical capacity, entitled ‘Exercise is medicine’. During
awareness and motivates people
but may also contribute to the prevention this first Transplantoux symposium, with
after transplantation to be physically
and treatment of highly prevalent leading experts from seven different
active. It organises sporting activities
comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, countries, we proudly presented a
throughout the year on every level
cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, programme, passionately elaborating
and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
chronic fatigue. Moreover, participation in on evidence, science and practical
Transplantoux also facilitates
regular physical activity increases mental experiences on physical activity
scientific research to improve
well-being and quality of life, brings implementation throughout the
outcome after transplantation
people together, and allows patients to different phases of transplantation. In
through physical activity. To find out
honour their donor’s gift by keeping their the historical city of Leuven, Belgium,
more visit www.transplantoux.be
organ(s) in a healthy condition. more than 150 transplant physicians,
Despite the current evidence, physiotherapists, nurses, allied health
there are still some misconceptions care professionals, researchers, and patients’ physical health when there is
amongst transplant recipients and transplant recipients from 14 different a good collaboration among medical
health care providers. Too often countries enthusiastically participated to doctors, physiotherapists and other
transplant professionals are not aware this symposium. allied health care professionals. Dr
of the benefits of physical well-being The symposium was gracefully Oeyen subsequently updated the current
or they dismiss physical training as not opened by Dr Carella (replacing Prof evidence regarding the intertwined
feasible or unsafe. Often, recipients who Costa) who shared the inspiring Italian effects of physical fitness and training
have encountered muscle weakness experience on the active rehabilitation on quality of life in chronic organ
and physical inactivity before their of transplant recipients. Let there be failure and transplantation. Next, Prof
transplantation underestimate their no doubt, supervised physical training Troosters completed the first session by
physical potential or are insecure about following transplantation is feasible, highlighting the role of physical activity
exercising after their transplantation. At organisable, and effective to increase monitoring in the clinical practice.
In the second session ‘How to move
forward’, Dr Van Adrichem identified the
most common obstacles to change a
sedentary into an active lifestyle. Physical
constraints, low energy levels and fear
of movement are the most common
obstacles for recipients to embrace an
active lifestyle. Education and rising
awareness followed by early supervised
physical training seems the appropriate
answer! Subsequently Dr Ried-Larsen
elaborated on the beneficial effects of
exercise as an effective treatment of type
II diabetes.
Guest Editorial contributor Jonas Vanbekbergen with Diethard Monbaliu Continued on page 14
and Stefan De Smet
Page 6
ATHLETES ADVISORY COMMISSION
Introducing the WTGF
“Athletes Advisory
Commission”
Liam Barnett outlines the aims of the WTGF’s new been suggested schedule changes,
formalisation of medal ceremony
advisory commission procedure and recommendations on
venues and equipment. All advisory
T
he start of 2018 ushered in the new Trustee Zach Brooks with the job of groups will produce guidelines and
beginnings of a profound forward coordinating the advisory groups for recommendations as we have for
step by the WTGF Board towards all of the sports and Zach has been a swimming. These will then presented to
improving the World Transplant Games catalyst for its success so far. Zach has set the WTGF Sports Committee for review
with the formation of the Athletes up conference forums for all members, and then recommendation to the WTGF
Advisory Commission (ACC). pushed for early engagement between Board for implementation into future
The focus of the ACC is to attract team members and has provided each World Games.
transplant athletes who have expert skills, group with an outline program to With the World Transplant Games
knowledge and experience in a particular stimulate each group to generate, capture getting bigger and with increasingly
sport, and give them the opportunity to and then refine ideas to put forward to more talented and knowledgeable
provide the WTGF Board and Sports the WTGF Sports Committee. athletes attending each time, the ACC is
Committee with recommendations a great way for the Federation to draw
and guidelines related to technical and A range of issues upon the expertise and experience of the
organisational issues within a chosen The swimming advisory group consists athletes who have specific experience
sport. of myself, Jodie Cox (GB&NI), Hernan of the Games. As such, the AAC has
I heard about the ACC in late 2017 Sachero (Argentina) and Donna Hart the power to improve organisation
through the WTGF website and Lynne (Canada). In view of the time zone and professionalism at the Games,
Holt, the GB&NI team manager. I have and language challenges amongst the which will lead to wider participation,
been a competitive swimmer from an members, the group has shared ideas greater exposure and ultimately more
early age and have competed in the mainly using email. Having a range of age, international focus on transplantation
swimming event in the past three World gender, nationality and even transplant and organ donation.
Transplant Games. With this involvement, type within the team has enabled a
coupled with my experience of managing range of issues to be addressed by the Liam Barnett
the GB&NI transplant swimming team, group. Some of the recommendations UK
I felt strongly that I could work as put forward by the team so far have
part of a team to offer the WTGF fair
and realistic recommendations for
improving the swimming event, starting
with suggestions for the Games in
NewcastleGateshead in 2019.
An advisory group was established
for each of the sports represented at
the World Transplant Games with each
group comprising three to four members,
all mainly from different countries from
around the world. The objective of
each group is to serve as a panel in an
advisory capacity for their chosen sport,
to share their expertise to the WTGF
and to provide guidelines to make
the Games as professional as possible
whilst still serving the needs of the
transplant athletes at all levels who will
always remain at the heart of the World
Transplant Games.
WTGF President Chris Thomas charged Liam Barnett is a member of the commission’s swimming advisory group
2017 Issue 1 | Page 7
WORLD TRANSPLANT WINTER GAMES 2018
A Games to
remember!
Main image, Nicholas Cup winner,
Maximilian Off with (back left to right):
Liz Schick; Swisstransplant President
Pierre-Yves Maillard and WTGF President
Chris Thomas
The 10th World Transplant Winter Games 2018 was Front left to right: Donor family Sophie
a huge success. Liz Schick looks back at some of the and Harvey Layzell from Jemima’s Trust
highlights from Switzerland Inset: Four-year-old Isaac O’Kane (with
proud Dad) and 74-year-old Eric Monnier
T
he Winter Games are a much smaller that it had been the best week of his life! every competition throughout the week
event than the Summer Games and Sports including snowshoeing, cross in several languages.
are often considered exclusively for country skiing, curling and alpine skiing Donor families and living donors
the elite few who are experts at winter were on the schedule although many were invited to participate in several
sports, but this is not the case, they are participants probably burnt the most competitions: snow shoeing, skiing
for everyone. calories on the dance floor at the gala and curling. It was the first time that
The 2018 Games, held for the second dinner on Thursday night once the adult Kazakhstan had attended the Winter
time in Anzère, were a transplant family competitions were over. Games and many of the curling
affair. The youngest recipient was four- Organising the parallel slalom on two participants were beginners creating a
year-old Isaac O’Kane from the UK of the evenings during the week was a great mood of camaraderie on the ice in
who was accompanied by his mother, great success and very exciting for the neighbouring Crans Montana.
Michelle, who competed in one of several crowd who enjoyed watching the floodlit A donor family meeting was organized
donor events, and the oldest competitor competitions as competitors skied in collaboration with the Etoile de Gael
was Eric Monnier, 74, from Switzerland. against each other simultaneously to the association and Swisstransplant, the
These were his first Games and when sound of cow bells, dance music and the national Swiss Foundation for organ
asked what he thought of the Games voice of Philippe Santschi, whose good- donation and transplantation, for both
back at his transplant centre he declared humoured commentary accompanied living donors and for the families of
Page 8
people who had lost loved ones. A
private room in the La Crêperie was Winter reflections
a perfect place for people to share
their experiences and for some of the
Chris Thomas, WTGF President
recipients to say thank you. The meeting,
“Many people across the world dedicate their lives to making the lives of our
although filled with emotion, was very
transplant children just that little better. This is patently on display at the Winter
rewarding for all.
Games where Liz Schick shines for a week as she encourages kids of all ages to
A total of 24 Countries attended the
just have a go.
Games including from as far afield as
Australia and New Zealand. The largest I sometimes think when helping kids it can seem quite one-sided - all ‘take and
team was Great Britain and Northern no give’. But at these Games the kids enrolled in the Nicholas Green Cup camp
Ireland, followed by the Swiss team and certainly knew the importance of giving. The way several of them reached out
then the Belgian team, many of whom into the audience to give them a specially woven heart was heart-felt, literally.
had learned to ski and trained on indoor One lady, who had recently lost her own mother, burst into tears at the simple but
slopes back in Belgium. The fastest generous moment.
alpine skier was 17-year-old Cameron To all the kids, and to Liz, thanks for making her day, and the days of all those who
McGregor Ogden from the Great Britain attended these very special Winter Games.”
and Northern Ireland team who had also
been training on an indoor slope back
home. Some other skiers took several
minutes longer but most cleared all the
gates and were very happy.
The Nicholas Cup
The Nicholas Cup, which has been part of
the Winter Games since 2001, changed
format for the 2018. The TACKERS team,
that has been running transplant kids
camps in Anzère since 2002, lent their
experience to run the camp. There were
23 children from 12 countries who stayed
together in the same chalet. Activities
ranged from skiing and snowboarding to
Left to right: Marco Aymon, President of the Commune of Ayent; Liz Schick,
disco, snow shoeing, swimming, arts and
LOC Chair and WTGF Honorary Secretary; Pierre Yves Maillard, President Of
crafts and karaoke. Some of the children
the Swisstransplant Foundation; Chris Thomas, WTGF President; Vincent
had skied before, others had never even
Rebstein President of the Commune of Arbaz
seen the snow.
Any of the Nicholas Cup participants
could have won the cup. The winner Swisstransplant, Pierre- Yves Maillard, Trust were very proud to sponsor.”
was not the fastest, but the participant assisted by WTGF President Chris Thomas, The World Transplant Games
that most accurately guessed their time and Maximilian Off from Germany, Federation decided to hold the WTG
compared to LOC chair, Liz Schick’s time received the Nicholas Cup from Sophy 2018 only nine months prior to the
in the slalom. Liz skied with Dexter, her and Harvey Layzell, a UK donor family Opening Ceremony and it was organised
Parson’s Russell terrier, who was more whose daughter Jemima was an organ in a new hybrid way – a working
interested in picking up pine cones on donor saving a record eight people. The partnership between the LOC and the
the way down than the race! children then wandered into the crowd Federation. This new way of organising
Several of the volunteers at camp to offer their heart to a stranger moving the Winter Games would not have been
were young transplant recipients who many to tears. possible without our sponsors, the local
had attended previous TACKERS camps Donor mother, Sophy Layzell, later community, the amazing volunteers,
who were perfect role models and who said, ‘Coming to Anzère for the World the Local Organising Committee, the
understood what the young campers had Winter Transplant Games was the Federation staff – Rebecca Phipson, Kim
been through. Some of the children had most uplifting event that Harvey and Renyard, Karen Cole and Gary Green -
even travelled to Geneva airport alone I have been to. On a personal level, it and every one of you who came along
to attend the Games, such as 8-year-old totally confirmed that we had done the and made the World Transplant Winter
heart recipient, Temperence ‘Bob’ Reid right thing donating Jemima’s organs. Games such a memorable event.
who travelled from Portugal and Jamin Seeing so many transplanted children
Tamang, 15-year-old kidney recipient together, learning new skills, challenging Liz Schick
from Nepal. themselves physically and loving, living World Transplant Winter Games 2018
A Special Moment - all the Nicholas and laughing, really brought it all home. It LOC Chair
Cup kids received a medal and a was particularly wonderful meeting Ellie, WTGF Honorary Secretary
woven cane heart from the President of a liver transplant patient, who Jemima’s
2018 Issue 1 | Page 9
WORLD TRANSPLANT WINTER GAMES 2018
Our Winter Games Scrapbook
Left: The Opening Ceremony
Above: Give your heart to a stranger
Winter reflections
Valentine Pick,
France
Taking careful aim at the Biathlon
“My name is Valentine. I’m nine years
old and I was delighted to take part in
the World Transplant Winter Games
in Anzére in January in Switzerland.
It was organized like the Olympic
Games. I loved the kids camp, we did
loads of fun things and I have made
many new friends from all over the
world.
One of the most exciting parts was
carrying the French flag. A huge
thank you to Liz and everyone for
making this happen.”
The 2018 race course
Page 10Winter reflections
Maude Schneider,
Canada
Big cheers from the Nicholas Green Camp kids
“The World Transplant Winter Games
are first and foremost a wonderful
occasion for us all to come together.
Every time I attend the Games the
most important things I take home
are the stories and life experiences
shared with incredible people.
That’s what is the most important,
far more important than medals and
podiums!”
Winter reflections
Jamin Tamang,
Nepal
Fastest Alpine skier 17-year-old Cameron McGregor Ogden
15-year-old Jamin Tamang from
Nepal was pleased to carry his
country flag at the Opening
Ceremony. The Nicholas Green Camp
proved to be an exciting week for
Jamin and all the kids.
Jamin: “I like the Ski Games!”
Happy Curlers!
2018 Issue 1 | Page 11AUSTRALIAN TRANSPLANT GAMES
High performance, everything from heartbreaking transplant
wait-list experiences, to inspirational
tales of recovery and determination to
incredible fun
really live (like they say, ‘no-one lives
like the dying’). I wished I could bottle
this. Not just for my darker moments, but
for anyone who might find themselves
needing a little light at the end of the
Kate Carlyle shares her reflections on Transplant proverbial tunnel.
Australia’s High Performance Camp My ‘body scans’ went from analysing
the pain, its severity and what medication
P
icture this. A sweltering Gold Coast cells, some of them had someone else’s I could take to try and control it, to how
afternoon in beautiful Australia. heart or lungs helping them reach the my muscles were feeling having worked
Twenty-five recipients who have all end of the pool. Whoa....... I said some harder than they had in a long, long time.
been to the brink and contemplated their silent, but powerful thanks to our donors, I doubted whether I could keep up, but
own mortality – only to be given the gift of their families and our medical teams. despite the hurt and exhaustion, was set
life. All assembled for a high performance The emotions were running high, but on living up to the hashtag I started using
sports camp. What an opportunity. while there was a little rest between sets, during my transplant #stillkickin. In this
First we heard from the Queensland there wasn’t too much time to lose focus. case, I literally was still kicking!!
Health Minister, Stephen Miles, who While Steve pushed us hard, he also had
marvelled at the extra years of life at the us laughing, like when he nicknamed Expert knowlegde
camp – 266 years, amazing. young Logan ‘donkey’, as a term of We were imbued with knowledge from
Following the official proceedings, we endearment. Steve explained that when experts during Strength and Conditioning
split into our respective sports and hit he saw real potential in a swimmer he’d (Adsy Gordon), Nutrition (Travis
the track or pool. That first session under ride them like the last donkey in town. Ronaldson) and Sports Psychology (Craig
the guidance of Coach Stephen Howell Nuff said. Pearman) sessions. A lot of us struggle
was the most alive I have felt in years. We enjoyed team meals in the dining with fatigue just getting through the day,
Although I’ve been back in the water for a hall, surrounded by international athletes so this lecture format side of things was
while, the challenge and absolute thrill of in town preparing for the upcoming at times, quite tiring. The information
having a go really got my heart pumping! Commonwealth Games (including the though - so beneficial.
I sucked in some big breaths with Indian basketballers like ‘One in a Billion’ A key point of discussion was internal
each lap and as I smashed the wall at Satnam Singh, who graciously posed for and external motivation. A room full
either end of the pool. I looked around a pic and hilariously high-fived/low-fived of people who have survived, and
and thought about my fellow transplant me when we passed between our rooms are thriving after transplant, perhaps
athletes. While my body and organs, are and training sessions). The vibe was don’t need to be taught about internal
now running on someone else’s stem sensational. The conversation covered motivation. Without it, we all may
have rolled over, given up, quit. It’s that
beautiful combination of internal and
external motivation that has created
success. I heard so many stories of
athletes not wanting to let their family,
donor family or doctors down. It’s a
powerful mix.
Speaking of power...we were gifted
a very special insight into world class
competitive swimming, with visionary
of the sport, Bill Sweetenham. As a mad-
keen young swimmer I watched some
of his pupils including Tracey Wickham,
power to glory on the Olympic stage.
Bill’s name is synonymous with some of
the most successful international teams
in history. I was shaking like a leaf when
I entered the ‘Elite Room’ and reached
out to shake the hand of greatness.
There he sat, in an empty room, just his
big hat and dark sunnies and a bucket
load of stories to share. I could listen for
the rest of my days, but we soon found
our way to the pool deck. Holy hell. I
Kate Carlyle was so bloody nervous to strip down
Page 12The emotions were running high, but affirming satisfaction at hitting the wall.
Fun though? Nope, not really. Until the
while there was a little rest between other day. The last few minutes of our
swim session, Coach Steve suggested
sets, there wasn’t too much time to a Michael Phelps drill for vertical kick
lose focus.” training (you’ve gotta watch this!). Ahhhh,
yeah, right. Well, getting out into the
middle of a lane, dropping till your feet
to my togs and hop in, I had to go and managed a final hit out. I’m happy to say are flat on the bottom, then squatting,
tell him I was terrified! All of a sudden that although my body was screaming pushing up, streamlining and butterfly
my head had forgotten how to swim. As with pain - it was great pain - and I was kicking up out of the water like a rocket
Bill took a seat laneside, we all slowly in the water by 6 am. The mental chatter is unreal! Such an incredible feeling. And
settled into our groove. Before too long, was strong, but there was no way I was yes, I had FUN!
he had us all lined up, hanging onto missing this last opportunity. Apart The reality of organ and tissue
the side of the pool listening intently from Coach Stephen giving us drills we donation is very simple - people that
to little tweaks we could each make. could test, then take away, he’d also were once terminally ill, are now here.
Teenage transplant recipient Claudia was built enough confidence in our group And here to stay!
given the somewhat unenviable task of to critique each other. The kindness and
jumping out to demonstrate getting full positive feedback was palpable. How all Kate Carlyle
reach from a stroke. Whilst manipulating of us will grow as a result. I am so excited Australia
body position in that way, in front of all for the Australian Transplant Games in
of us may have been daunting - Claude September! Kate will be one of hundreds of
handled it like a pro, and I winked at her transplant athletes competing at the
Mum Anna saying “she’ll never forget Fun in the water Australian Transplant Games on the Gold
this.” None of us will. I grew up swimming, enjoyed training Coast from September 30 to October
Bill generously shared more stories and loved to compete. I can’t say I ever 6, 2018. For more information visit
with us (as we recovered from a session had fun in the water though. That said, www.australiantransplantgames.com
in the ice baths - another first for some it is my ‘happy place’. I can float on my
of us!), he detailed the importance of back for hours. Having been hooked up
balance and fun. What a way to cap off to machines to keep me alive, I revel in
an unbelievable afternoon! the freedom. The cold rush as I dive in,
Some participants opted to sleep in on the swoosh of the water passing my ears,
the final morning (totally cool given the the exhilaration I feel powering along
workload and long days), while others the black line and the absolutely life-
2018 Issue 1 | Page 13TRANSPLANTOUX SYMPOSIUM Continued from page 6
In fact, regular physical exercise may to start physical activity in the pre- symposium2018.com.
enable diabetics to reduce or discontinue transplantation period (Dr Greenwood), How to move forward now? In 2005
glucose-lowering medication! Finally, early after transplantation at the Patricia Painter stated that “Regular
Prof Hespel presented interesting intensive care unit (Mrs Clerckx), after physical activity should be prescribed
insights from his experience with elite hospital discharge (Dr Gloeckl), or how and encouraged as a part of the routine
athletes. Tips and tricks regarding to ‘train smart’ when preparing stable (pre and) post Tx care”. Now 2018 and
hydration, carbohydrate consumption, transplant recipients for specific sports thus 13 years later, there is still a lot of
weight loss strategies, different training challenges or goals (Mr Vanbekbergen). work ahead to make this happen. To
modalities, muscle recovery, and the The final session of the symposium keep things moving, we are working hard
effects of altitude exposure fascinated was reserved for Dr Masschelein and on the 2nd edition of the Transplantoux
the attendees until the end of the final Mr Thomas. Dr Masschelein shared symposium. Our local and international
session. After a ‘healthy food’ lunch the experience and research done by scientific committee looks forward to
and network break, Dr Goetschalckx Transplantoux. Mr Thomas, President of present many untouched topics and
revealed on the importance of (sports) the World Transplant Games Federation, to organize dedicated sessions for
medical screening before and after passionately spoke about his quest to nutritionists, nurses, physiotherapists,
transplantation. This field certainly get every transplant recipient in optimal physicians, and recipients. Lastly, we
requires more research to address the physical and mental health through his invite you to submit your abstract sharing
specific risks and needs of transplant mantra: ‘More transplant recipients, more your experience for the next edition.
recipients. Prof Calders subsequently active, more often’. “Let’s move and stay connected, and
summarised the current evidence of At the end of the day, it was clear see you in Leuven, Belgium in February
the health-related benefits of physical that the first edition of our international 2019!”
activity pre- and post-transplantation. Transplantoux Symposium “Exercise
After these ‘ex cathedra’ lectures, the is Medicine” was a big success as later iethard Monbaliu and Stefan De
D
time was right to switch to more practical revealed by the survey which was held at Smet
matters and to stretch body and limbs the end of the symposium. If you want to On behalf of the Local Organising and
ourselves. In four interactive seminars, feel the vibes, read the survey or have a International Scientific Committee of
attendees were introduced to tips and look at the presentations, please visit our Transplantoux Symposium
tricks from experts in the field on how symposium website www.transplantoux-
MEMBER COUNTRY NEWS
the determination and aspirations
SPAIN of the participants made it a clean
and successful event.
Celebrating the
Another high moment
happened on the track with the
participation of members of
‘Party of Life’
Asociación Española de Ayuda
a Niños con Enfermedades
Hepáticas y Trasplantados
Hepáticos (HEPA), an association
dedicated to helping children with
News from the 8th Spanish liver disease and transplants. The
National Transplant Games little heroes were part of specific
events planned for them such as
in Guadalajara the 30m run, ball throw and long
jump. The parents and siblings
T
he 8th edition of the Spanish National director of the National Transplant Organisation participated with them, having a
Transplant Games was held in the (ONT), Beatriz Domínguez-Gil. It was a huge unique moment of joy watching these little
beautiful city of Guadalajara, Castilla La honour for us to have with us the head of warriors enjoying the Gift of Life.
Mancha, right in the centre of the peninsula, the leading organisation on donation and It was an amazing long weekend, a
from 28th April to 2nd May. transplantation worldwide. The collaboration rehearsal for some of our athletes with their
The Games were a complete success, with the ONT is fundamental to our activities and sights on the European Games and another
mainly due to the support of the local and the fulfilment of our values and mission. opportunity for all of us to celebrate the “Party
state authorities – always committed to our The competition began on the afternoon of of Life” and say thank you for our second
mission of organ and tissue donation and the 28th April with racquet sports - padel, tennis, chance.
importance of physical activity for transplant badminton and table tennis.
PHOTO: JOSE ANDRES MERINO
recipients. The next morning we experienced maybe the Gerardo Reyna
On this occasion we had 140 participants most thrilling event of the Games at the cycling Spain
in attendance, maintaining the numbers for route. The rain and the wind on the day provided
the last three Games. a hostile environment for the participants. The
The opening event was held at the Town cyclists decided to proceed with the event,
Hall and we were very pleased to welcome the always mindful of the risk of accident. In the end,
Page 14MÁLAGA 2017
WTGF Games Review
Kim Renyard looks at the review process for last year’s WTGF Games
T
he World Transplant Games Federation takes great pride
The World Transplant Games Federation Panel consisted of:
in continually improving our offering to the worldwide
Chris Thomas Australia WTGF President
transplant community. The 2017 World Transplant Games Colin White Ireland WTGF Treasurer
held in Málaga, Spain were a wonderful celebration of the gift of Liz Schick Switzerland WTGF Secretary
life and many recipients complimented both the Federation and Willie Uys South Africa WTGF Governance Committee
the Local Organising Committee. That said there is always room Andre Lasooij Netherlands WTGF Sports Committee
to review a Games with the aim to continually improve our key Zachary Brooks USA WTGF Sports Committee
event, with particular focus on the conduct of sports, transport, Olivier Coustere France WTGF Sports Committee
medical services and accommodation. Paul Harden UK WTGF Medical Committee
Previously we have completed these reviews internally, Kim Renyard South Africa Executive Manager
however this time we recognized the benefit in reaching out Gary Green USA Sports Manager
to key members in our community to ensure we gain a wider
perspective. As a result a Games Review Panel was established Community Representatives included:
with an objective to ensure that our Games remain relevant Lynne Holt UK 2019 WTG LOC Member
and affordable, and that our community has the opportunity to Barry Laverick UK Transplant Sport
Wouter Schuwirth Netherlands Sports & Transplantation
shape all aspects of future Games. Foundation
The Panel was established to incorporate key Federation Teemu Lakkasuo Finland Finnish Sports Association
board members and administrators, as well as key members Dr Antony Harding Australia Transplant Australia
from our transplant community. Dr Mason Porramatikul Thailand Transplant Sport Association
The Federation called for feedback on the 2017 Games from of Thailand
our community through a number of channels including: Andrzej Chmura Poland Polskie Stowarzyszenie
Sportu po Transplantacji
l A post Games survey
l Feedback from Team Managers and Country Representatives
l Individual feedback from the community
Over the next couple months, the Federation will announce and
This feedback was consolidated and divided into 4 areas of share the outcomes of the Games Review.
operation: As a sneak preview, we can share that some insightful
l Logistics – Accommodation, Transport and Catering recommendations included the simplification of the medical
l Events – Social and Official forms, ensuring a more affordable games for all, more public
l Medical engagement at social events, greater Games visibility, and
l Sports various suggestions to ensure better seeding at sports events.
Whilst these are just a few of the suggestions which were born
Insightful and encouraging through our Games Review, they do highlight that this type of
The Panel was split to allow key members to focus on the review can only be positive for the Federation, future Games
different areas of operation. After several conference calls, the and our transplant community.
Panel submitted a document to the Federation highlighting The WTGF thank the Games Review Panel for their time,
recommendations to improve future Games in all these areas. commitment and contributions towards making our Games
The feedback was insightful and encouraging, and many great continually improve and grow.
ideas and suggestions were put forward.
As a Federation all of these suggestions were reviewed and
the relevant WTGF Committees are currently working through Kim Renyard
these ideas and putting the recommended outcomes into play. WTGF Executive Manager
2017 Issue 1 | Page 15FIT FOR LIFE! UPDATE
Highlights from
the Fit for Life!
Ambassadors
Our Fit for Life! Ambassador program now has 26 Ronald Grainger
ambassadors in 18 countries all working hard and
enthusiastically to promote an active lifestyle post- Ireland (Kidney
transplant. Each Ambassador has been contributing to recipient)
the spirit of our mantra, “more transplant recipients,
R
on has been very active in his role
more active, more often”, and bringing this topic to the over the past six months and is due
forefront of discussions in their own unique way.Below to publish an article in the Journal of
are highlights of some of the great work that has been the Irish College Of General Practitioners
this year, entitled ‘Life After Renal
accomplished by three of our Ambassadors. Transplant and being Fit for Life’. Ron will
also be attending a new health initiative in
Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, supporting
the project and highlighting the Fit for
Life! program. Ron recently attended the
annual conference of the Transplant and
Urology Nurses as well as the West Cork
Sports Awards dinner. At the end of 2017,
Ron spoke at the Cork Branch of The Irish
Kidney Association and demonstrated
some practical exercises to improve
mobility and fitness.
Heilie (far right) with members of the South African Transplant Sports
Association (SATSA)
Heilie Uys
South Africa (Kidney Recipient)
H
eilie was recently part of a three- Port Elizabeth and for the Eastern Cape
part television series for The Nurse Transplant Sports Association. Heilie
TV channel in South Africa. In the was also involved in the national South
series Heilie positively promotes the African Step Challenge created by SATSA
Fit for Life! initiatives with a focus on to encourage more activity amongst the
transplantation and donation, the World youth as well as their local transplant
Transplant Games and the Federation. The community. Heilie will be participating
series, “Heilie Uys - A life of inspiration in the South African Transplant Games in
and achievement”, was uploaded and July this year.
shared on various social media platforms. “The first year of being an Ambassador
Heilie is very much involved with the for WTGF came to an end with the
medical community, meeting patients realisation that the Fit for Life! Initiative is
to educate them on the benefits of like a bread with yeast – at first it seems
being active post-transplant as well as to stay the same size but then slowly it
counselling recipients one on one. 2018 rises out in all directions! The lesson is
has already been a busy year for Heilie that it takes time! First to reach people Ron at the Transplant and Urology
with scheduled presentations at the and second to let people realise the Nurses meeting - Ron is pictured with a
Livingstone Hospital Transplant Clinic in importance of the message.” poster of living donor, Vivianne Traynor
Page 16Emma Hilton The
United Kingdom (Heart Recipient) Transplantation
Society (TTS)
Congress
The Fit for Life! program
will be launching another
initiative at the upcoming
TTS International
Congress 2018, which
will be held in Madrid,
Spain from 30th June to
5th July.
T
he Federation has been
working very hard over the
past year to create a Fit for Life!
Toolkit designed to assist transplant
recipients with their first steps
towards getting active following
their transplant. This rehabilitation
program is designed to focus on the
importance of exercise, nutrition
and mental wellbeing post-
transplant.
In constantly working to promote
our mantra of “more transplant
recipients, more active, more often”
we have secured the following
activities at the TTS Congress, where
we plan to launch and promote the
Fit for Life! Toolkit:
WTGF, in conjunction with the
TTS Wellness Committee, will host
a full day workshop on 30th June.
This workshop includes speakers
Emma at WTG2017 from around the globe on the
topic; “Optimizing Recovery after
Solid Organ Transplant – the role
of physical activity, exercise and
sport”.
E
mma was approached by Trans World Sport to feature in a video WTGF will also host a ‘Wellness’
commemorating the 50th anniversary of heart transplantation. The video area at the Congress where
has been shared throughout the transplant world and has helped to reach registrants can pop in during all
recipients who hadn’t heard of the WTGF or the Fit for Life! initiative before. breaks to revitalise their bodies.
Because of her participation in this video, Emma receives and responds to There will be different sessions
feedback from recipients waiting for transplants as well as those wanting to throughout the Congress, including
get more involved in exercise and sport. Emma attended a special event at opportunities to participate in
Harefield Hospital where she spoke with young patients on ‘Activity as a Tool various activities including yoga,
to Keep Healthy and Being Fit for Life!’. meditation, relaxation, stretching,
breathing and also mindfulness
exercises.
The Federation wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to all of the amazing Fit for Life!
Ambassadors. More information about the TTS
Congress and the workshop can be
Fit for Life! Team found at www.tts2018.org
fitforlife@wtgf.org
2018 Issue 1 | Page 17MEMBER COUNTRY NEWS
HONG KONG post-transplant patients, donor family
members, medicare and volunteers will
Games to launch Community be teaming up to give talks and share
sessions in the schools and corporations
Education Program
in order to stress the importance of organ
donation to the general public.
For more information, please visit:
www.hktsa.org and/or follow @hktsa.org
Hong Kong is hosting its 4th National Transplant & Dialysis on Facebook.
Games on 3rd and 4th November 2018
Martin Wong
T
he Games will be organised in the country. Chairman, 4th Hong Kong Transplant
by the Hong Kong Transplant The Games include track & field and Dialysis Games
Sports Association, a charitable events, swimming, petanque, table Fit for Life! Ambassador
organisation formed and operated by tennis and badminton, while gateball,
organ transplant recipients to encourage bowling and darts will be played on
their post-transplant buddies to strive respective weekends throughout
for total rehabilitation through practicing September 2018. To complement the
sports. The members also dedicate Games, the Association has launched a
themselves to promoting organ donation community education program where
UK
Birmingham to welcome
over 1,000 athletes this
summer
Birmingham, UK, is hosting the 41st British
Transplant Games from 2nd to 5th August 2018
O
ver a thousand transplant The last time the event was held in hospitals across the region who bring
athletes will descend on the city in 1999 it brought a huge boost hope to families and individuals from
Birmingham this summer when to the local economy, this year it is all over the UK undergoing transplant
the annual Westfield Health British estimated the Games will inject around surgery, Birmingham performs more
Transplant Games 2018 come to the £2.5m into Birmingham and generate a Transplants than anywhere else in
city. significant national profile. Europe and recently celebrated its
The event, which aims to raise Birmingham, with a population of 1.1 5,000th Liver Transplant.
awareness of the value of organ million people is one of the UK’s most
donation and help increase numbers vibrant, energetic and diverse cities. The British Transplant Games LOC
on the NHS Organ Donor Register, will area has excellent transport link and www.britishtransplantgames.co.uk
take place in Birmingham from the 2-5 should prove a popular destination for www.transplantsport.org.uk
August 2018. participants and their families in 2018.
Organised on behalf of Transplant
Sport, the Games showcase the Outstanding facilities
benefits of transplantation, whilst The Games will make use of several of
giving people aged between two the outstanding facilities across the city
and 80 years old, who have had a including the Symphony Hall, the ICC,
transplant, the chance to compete in Alexander Stadium and the recently
a wide range of sport activities. These opened University of Birmingham Sport
include basketball, volleyball, football, and Fitness Centre.
snooker, darts, archery, as well as all The Games will also shine a light on
track and field events, swimming and the hard-work, dedication and talent
all racquet sports of the doctors and nurses who work in
Page 18FUTURE EVENT: NewcastleGateshead 2019
World Transplant NewcastleGateshead 2019
FACTFILE
Games 2019: The
countdown is on!
When: 17-24 August 2019
In the summer of 2019 thousands of athletes and The venues: The games will be
supporters from around the world will arrive in hosted at some of the top sports
NewcastleGateshead for the World Transplant Games venues in Tyne and Wear, including
Gateshead International Stadium,
H
aving hosted the British Transplant golf, swimming, table tennis, squash, Sport Central at Northumbria
Games in the summer of 2015, petanque, basketball, darts and football. University, Newcastle United FC and
NewcastleGateshead was chosen A specially created cultural program the Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
as the destination for the Games which bringing together participants, their Find out more:
will take place from Saturday 17th to families, supporters and local residents www.worldtransplantgames.org
Saturday 24th August 2019. will ensure that the Games will be the
NewcastleGateshead has a strong most visible yet. Events and activities for
track-record in delivering sporting the transplant community will take place packages will be available to athletes,
events and 2019 will also see the region in the very heart of the city region, with families and supporters. Registration for
hosting European rugby’s showpiece more details to be announced early in this great event will open in December
weekend in May, when the European 2019. 2018 - participants will able to register
Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and Entry is open to those recipients through the website although hard
Continental Shield will be held in the who have been transplanted with a copy registration forms will also be
city. life supporting organ for at least one available for team managers, with each
The Games will see events taking year, are medically fit and have trained registration needing verification to
place at some of the region’s most iconic for the events that they have entered. ensure participation is legitimate.
sporting venues, including Gateshead Athletes will compete by gender in If you would like to know more
International Stadium, Sport Central at various age groups, including juniors, about the Games please visit the
Northumbria University, Close House with participation welcomed from those website and sign-up to receive regular
Golf Club, The Northumberland Club and as young as four. There will be sports e-communications with information on
the Sunderland Aquatic Centre. Sports competition for living donors and donor sports, venues and the destination, as
available at the Games include, athletics, families – more information to follow. well as case studies, news on the teams
archery, badminton, tennis, bowling, A revamped website – www. and their preparations for the Games.
worldtransplantgames.org – is to be The team in NewcastleGateshead are
launched later this month which will waiting with a warm welcome for all!
give further information on venues,
sports and accommodation in the area. ewcastleGateshead 2019 Local
N
Flexible and affordable accommodation Organising Committee
2018 Issue 1 | Page 19You can also read
