By Mikayla van Loon
Mooroolbark local Fraser Catton has returned from competing in the World Transplant Games, bringing home two bronze medals in tennis and making extraordinary connections with fellow transplant recipients.
“To be there with 1500 other transplant recipients who are athletes and competing was pretty special,” he said.
“To know that everyone had also gone through a similar experience was quite unique so everyone had something in common right from the start.”
The biennial event was this year held in Perth seeing athletes from all over the world travel to compete for their country.
With events ranging from tennis to athletics, basketball to darts, Fraser said there was truly something for everyone depending on their ability and skill.
“There were I think 45 or 50 different countries competing, so there was a fair bit of talent out there and the competition itself was competitive but friendly at the same time,” he said.
“So everyone was pretty supportive and encouraging but at the same time people were there to do their best and finish what they started.”
Fraser was able to score two bronze medals in the singles and doubles, representing Australia, something he said wasn’t easy but was an incredible challenge.
“The cool thing I really enjoyed about it was the fact that you’re playing with other people who have overcome some pretty cool, amazing and difficult circumstances but they’re giving it their best shot and doing really well. So it was both fun and inspiring at the same time.”
Taking his family with him, Fraser said not only was it worthwhile for him to be able to connect with fellow transplant recipients but also for his children and parents to meet people of a similar age.
Meeting and talking with so many people who had been affected by an organ transplant, Fraser said it really put into perspective how much of a difference it makes to so many people’s lives.
“As an organ donor, you’re enabling this [event] to take place, you’re giving someone a second chance but it’s not just one person,” he said.
“I met a guy there who had received a transplant when he was a young young man, found a wife, had a family and grandchildren now has great grandchildren all because they received an organ donation.
“So it’s just not about individuals. It’s about whole families as well and generations.”
With the next World Transplant Games being held in Germany, Fraser said he’s not so sure he’ll make it there but would like to compete in the Australian Transplant Games in 2024.
For people either waiting for a transplant or considering becoming a donor, Fraser said the World Transplant Games are a real show of hope and of what can be achieved when donors register.
“If you are on a transplant waiting list, just check out the World Transplant Games and see what people are capable of doing once they receive that transplant.
“There really is hope that life can not just return to normal but you can actually go on and thrive and enjoy and make the most of that opportunity that you get. It’s a really cool chance, it’s a really cool moment of inspiration and hope for those who are waiting.
“And of course, always, if you haven’t considered being a donor, check it out and sign up because it makes a huge difference.”
To sign up as an organ donor, go to www.donatelife.gov.au
