2024 Transplant Games of America kicks off with swimming and ballroom dancing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Over the next six days, transplant recipients, living donors and donor families will compete in the 2024 Transplant Games of America.

Birmingham is this year’s host city, as individuals are united and honored for giving life. The event also raises awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation.

Tribhawan Persaud’s only child died in a car crash at the age of 21. However, his life continues to serve six others due to his status as an organ donor. Persaud is proud to tell others about his son’s legacy at events like the Transplant Games.

“This place is all about loving one another,” Persaud said. “I always say this, the greatest gift one can give is to be an organ donor.”

The Birmingham CrossPlex Natatorium hosted 500-yard freestyle swimming Friday morning. Whether they were the first to hit the water or the last to touch the wall, participants acknowledged they’d already won the game of life.

“I have two for one transplant special,” double organ transplant recipient Kelly Moorman said. “I have both a kidney and a pancreas, which accounts for about two percent of all transplants.”

Team Alabama swimmer Lael Fiest — who won a gold medal on Friday — became a kidney donor in 2022. She shared that her baby was born without kidneys 20 years prior, and did not survive.

“I just came up with this idea that kind of helped me shift the grief,” Fiest said. “It was like, ‘Hey I can help someone and prevent heartache from their family’.”

CBS 42 News spoke with participants who say it’s best to decide to become an organ donor as soon as possible. They also advise displaying that information clearly on an item such as your driver’s license.

“You will see all these miracles,” Kidney recipient Carol Fitzsimons said. “Living, breathing, swimming, running, tennis playing, dancing fiends who love life. Please come join us and consider being an organ donor if you haven’t already.”

The competition offers events such as ballroom dancing, swimming and Texas Hold’em poker. For a full schedule list, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.