DENVER, CO / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 02, 2026 / The Transplant Life Foundation hosted the most successful Transplant Games of America from June 18-23 in Denver Colorado, featuring 20 competitions and 60-plus events. Free to the public, more than 10,000 attendees joined more than 3,000 registrants and 1,400 competitors including transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and additional supporters from across the country.

The Opening Ceremony welcomed 44 national teams along with team Thailand and Australia. Former Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin also spoke during the ceremony with her father, Dick and fellow Olympian Crissy Perham, his kidney donor. They shared their family’s story on organ transplantation.

“Under the shadow of the majestic Rockies, the Colorado community was the perfect place for the largest celebration of life in the world. The setting, the welcoming Denver people, and the atmosphere gave us an unparalleled event,” said Bill Ryan, president and CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation.

During the Games, TLF broke a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ® by gathering 966 organ donors and recipients together in one place at one time as part of the Life’s Short Live It Living Donor and Recipient Gathering.

Athletic events spanned wide, including everything from pickleball to swimming to basketball, giving recipients and living donors, no matter their age or interest, a chance to participate. The Games also included non-athletic competitions such as Ballroom Dance, Lyrics for Life and Texas Hold’em. Along with the competitive events, informational workshops, Coffee Chats and pin trading were popular activities.

The CareDX 5K Run/Walk was a public event that drew a substantial crowd along with special guests including Rocky, mascot of the Denver Nuggets, who started the race.

The DeVita Closing Ceremony brought together athletes and teams to end the Games with recognition for their achievements throughout the event.

These awards included the Team Spirit Award given to Team South Carolina, the TGA Team Manager award given to Team Philadelphia manager, Annie Busarello and the Team Cup given to CalNev, who won for the second year in a row for the most team medals.

Athlete of the Year awards were given to Anna DuSaire from Team MN-DAK for female athlete and Rowan Sebek from Team Texas for youth athlete. Andrew Menard from Team Rocky Mountain received the male athlete of the year award.

“As we wrap up the 2026 Transplant Games, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement for what's ahead,” said Andrew Menard, manager for Team Rocky Mountain. “The memories we made will stay with us, but so will the renewed commitment to promoting organ, eye and tissue donation and supporting one another along the way.”

Legacy Awards were given to 97-year-old Tina Harris, also known as Ms. Peanut, and Oliver Hale for their long-standing support and attendance at the Games. Hale has been part of the Games since 1987.

“We want to thank all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers who played such a huge role in making the Mile High City Games a record-breaker,” said Mark McIntosh, chair of the Denver Host Committee.

The Transplant Games of America take place every two years in a different host city across the U.S. This was the first time they were held in Denver. The next Games will be in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2028.