Houston to host Transplant Games of America next month

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston is getting ready to host a unique Olympic style competition called the Transplant Games of America.

More than 3,000 athletes from all over the country will be in the Bayou City July 11-15 to compete and raise awareness about the need for organ donors.

"The emotions are running crazy. And we've been trying to get it back in Texas for a while," Transplant Games athlete Amy Frackowiak said.

Those athletes are both organ recipient and living donors. Frackowiak received her kidney from a woman in Wyoming five years ago.

"They bring everyone together from the transplant community. They allow donor families to meet people in their same situations," Frackowiak said.

The games, which is held every two years, will feature sports such as tennis, golf, track and field, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and even a trivia competition.

This is the first time the privately funded event will be held in Texas and it will be the largest games in the United States and its history.

Texas will field the largest team at more than 500 competitors.

The opening ceremonies will be at BBVA Compass Stadium and all competitions are free to the public.

The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority also needs volunteers to help man the events. To learn more about the games, you can go to the organizers' website at http://www.transplantgamesofamerica.org.