45 Hoosiers prepare for the 2026 Transplant Games in Denver

By AI, Created 2:41 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – A team of 45 Indiana transplant recipients and living donors will compete in the 2026 Transplant Games of America in Denver from June 18-23. The event is part athletic competition, part awareness campaign, highlighting the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.

Why it matters: - The Transplant Games of America turns organ and tissue donation into a public showcase of survival, gratitude and community. - Team Indiana gives transplant recipients and living donors a national stage to honor donors and encourage more residents to register. - The games also aim to raise awareness of lifesaving transplantation beyond the transplant community.

What happened: - A group of 45 Hoosiers is preparing to travel to Colorado for the 2026 Transplant Games of America. - The games run June 18-23 in Denver. - More than 3,000 competitors are expected to take part. - Athletes from 43 states will compete in 20 sports. - Other participants will compete in recreational events. - Team Indiana includes athletes and participants from across the state.

The details: - The Transplant Games have been held every two years for more than three decades. - The event celebrates transplant recipients and living donors. - Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all competitions. - Team sports include basketball, volleyball and pickleball. - Individual sports include track and field, swimming, tennis, golf and cycling. - Recreational events include ballroom dancing, cornhole, darts, poker and trivia. - Team Indiana members come from Northern, Central, Southern and Western Indiana. - Northern Indiana participants are from South Bend, Michigan City, Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Goshen, Granger, Chesterton, Elkhart, Rochester and Osceola. - Central Indiana participants are from Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Anderson, Tipton, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Avon, Franklin, Shelbyville and Greenfield. - Southern Indiana participants are from Martinsville and Boonville. - Western Indiana participants are from Covington. - Anyone can sign up to be a donor online at Donate Life Indiana, regardless of age or medical history. - More information about Indiana Donor Network - Indiana Donor Network on Instagram - Indiana Donor Network on Facebook - Indiana Donor Network on YouTube - Indiana Donor Network on X

Between the lines: - Team Indiana is doing more than competing for medals. - The team is helping turn personal medical journeys into a broader message about donation and transplantation. - Family members, donor families, healthcare professionals, caregivers and donation supporters are expected to join athletes and participants. - Lindsey Johnson manages Team Indiana and oversees Indiana’s donor registry through Donate Life Indiana. - Johnson said the games honor donor legacies and showcase recipients living and competing because of a selfless donation decision. - Johnson also said participating teams help carry out the games’ mission to heighten awareness of organ and tissue donation. - Local athletes and participants are available for interview about their connection to donation and transplantation.

What’s next: - Team Indiana will head to Denver for competition starting June 18. - Organizers will hand out medals across sports and recreational events through June 23. - Indiana residents can continue registering as donors through Donate Life Indiana.

The bottom line: - The 2026 Transplant Games will put Indiana’s transplant community in the national spotlight while underscoring how donor registration can save and extend lives.