Team BCH Transplant Games superstars shine on global stage
After our fantastic Team BCH enjoyed a hugely successful British Transplant Games this summer, some of our superstars went on to proudly represent Great Britain joining competitors from across the globe in Germany just a couple of weeks later.
They were part of a 250-strong team that headed over to Dresden to compete in a host of sports, while at the same time showcasing the awesome power of organ donation during the event from the 17 to 24 August.
In total seven of our team, all of whom have had life-saving transplants at our Children’s Hospital, represented the nation. We’re so proud of all of them, Harry, Imogen, Noah, William, Mason, Archie and Kristof.
They all performed brilliantly and came back with plenty of medals in their bags when they returned home.
It was the third time Kristof Polgar had been chosen to represent Team GB at the World Transplant Games after previously competing twice in Australia.
He won two golds, in table tennis singles and badminton doubles with fellow Team BCH superstar, Noah Raina, and a silver in tennis.
The seventeen-year-old was also awarded the special Outstanding Contribution Junior Award from Team GB in recognition of his sportsmanship and support he offered his teammates during the games.
Kristof, who is studying at King Edwards VI College in Stourbridge and hopes to go into sports science as a career, said: “It was such a surprise when I was given the award at the closing gala. I really didn’t expect it, but it was nice.
“The Transplant Games events are always brilliant. You meet others who have had the same experiences, so you can relate and support each other. Everyone is so welcoming – the families and our BCH Team managers. It’s a fun way of keeping active.”
Mason Baxter, from Bromsgrove, was another of our superstars over in Germany. He won four silvers, as well as a stunning gold in the swimming pool when he clocked a World Transplant Games record in the 50 metres butterfly.
He said: “The pool was amazing and the atmosphere was to. Everyone was cheering and the best was when I got to wear my Union Jack flag when I was getting my medal.
“I didn’t know I had got the world record until the next day. I had no words. I just felt really happy.”
Attention now turns to preparing for the next British Transplant Games, which takes place next summer in Sheffield.
Have you registered your organ donation decision and shared your wishes with loved ones? The Gift of Life could be the most precious think you ever give.
Visit the NHS Organ Donation website, which contains a host of information to support you.