Transplant Games of America set for GR

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Organ donation and donor registration is the focus of the 2012 Transplant Games of America, coming to Grand Rapids in July.

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson joined representatives from the West Michigan Sports Commission and Spectrum Health at the announcement of the games Thursday morning.

Primarily the games will be held at the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, with 1200 athletes from 46 states expected to participate between July 28-31.

"The Transplant Games of America carry on a 22-year tradition bringing athletes and donor family members together to celebrate and highlight the critical importance of organ donation," Bill Ryan, the chairman of the Transplant Games of America, said in a statement. "Spectrum Health's commitment  to transplant services and organ donation, plus their role in bringing the games to West Michigan, is greatly appreciated."

Spectrum Health will provide volunteers, onside medical coverage and treatment and work with community organizations on a goal of registering at least 20,000 new donors by the time the Transplant games end.

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Transplant Games of America

West Michigan Sports Commission

Spectrum Health