St. Paul to host sporting event Transplant Games in 2028

Thousands of athletes who’ve had organ transplants will be competing in a series of sporting events in Minnesota when the 2028 Transplant Games come to the state.

“The Transplant Games will occur over six days in August,” said Bill Ryan, the president and CEO of the Transport Life Foundation. Ryan said the games, which were first played in 1990, have grown considerably since then. He said thousands of athletes and their families and friends will descend on the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul for the event. 

Recipients and living donors will compete in 20 games and more than 60 special events. There’s also a public 5k race, an opening ceremony and an athletes and family village.

“It’s free to the public, and we’re ready to promote and advocate for organ donation and transplantation in your community,” Ryan said.

Ryan said Minnesota’s health care system was one reason St. Paul was chosen.

“Our community is home to a world-class health care system with exceptional specialty services that put patients first,” St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said in a statement. “We’re honored to host the 2028 Transplant Games of America and showcase our city’s medical excellence as we celebrate a shared commitment to wellness and resilience.”

Carter said the event will allow St. Paul and the state to promote organ donation.

“These games shine a powerful light on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation and we’re humbled and thrilled to welcome athletes, donor families and supporters from across the country to our capital city,” Carter said at the announcement.

The next Transplant Games will take place in Denver in 2026.