Frequently Asked Questions

The Games are being held in Ottawa August 3-9. Accommodations and many of the events are at Carleton University

The Canadian Transplant Games are the premiere athletic celebration of sport for transplant recipients from across the country. The focus of the Games is to provide a venue of national competition.

Recipients – Entry is open to recipients of life supporting stem cell, tissue and organ transplants, who require, or have required, the use of immunosuppressive drug therapies.

Living Donors – Athletes who have personally donated life-supporting stem cells, tissue and/or an organ.

Donor Family – Close family members of a deceased donor.

Supporter (athlete) – Close friends and/or extended family members of transplant recipients or deceased donors. Supporter athletes are limited to 2 per transplant recipient or deceased donor. 

Supporters (non-competing) – friends, extended family members and other transplant community supporters.

To connect our wonderful community, compete and celebrate - and most importantly, have fun!

The other goal of the CTA Games is to encourage Canadians to register their consent as organ donors. There are currently more than 4,000 people in our country waiting for their gift of life. Some of them will die while waiting. Let’s give hope to those waiting for transplant by using the Canadian Transplant Games and our athletes' accomplishments as a platform to raise awareness of the benefits of organ donation.

Every athlete, regardless of skill level, is welcome. For everyone, just crossing the finish line is already a victory.

Other than general health requirements, there are no try-outs or qualifying events, time trials etc. required to be allowed to participate in any of the sports in the Games.

Registration Forms must be completed for everyone (adults and children) attending and/or participating in the Canadian Transplant Games.

The CTA does everything it can to keep participation costs as low as possible so that many folks in the transplant community can take part in the games. The registration fees collected do not cover all associated costs of the Games. We rely on the generous support and funds from sponsors, partners, vendors, donations, and the time and skill sets of 100s of volunteers to put on the Games.  

The registration fees are calculated based on factors like the total number of participants, and the overall total cost of the Games from start to finish. The all-inclusive flat rates fees each participant pays are then subsidized significantly by the CTA (at least 50% per participant). As such, the fees cannot be discounted further.  This includes people who may want to stay elsewhere in Ottawa, attend just a portion of the games or who live locally.

This has been standard practice for other Transplant Games. Local participants have opted to make the Games a “staycation”, staying with the other athletes and supporters in the included accommodations, and enjoying the day-to-day activities. This includes cheering on athletes and connecting with others in the transplant community. 

Registration closes June 15

Yes! We’ll be releasing our pricing and registration deadlines soon!

Cancellations made on or before April 30, 2024 will receive a 90% refund.

All cancellations, for whatever reason, made between May 1, 2024 and up to and including June 1, 2024 will receive a 40% refund.

Cancellations, for whatever reason, made after and including June 2, 2024 will not receive a refund

Please note that it is essential that you take out your own personal travel insurance to cover cancellation for medical or other reasons.

Athletes will compete by gender in the following age groups:

Single events: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 and over.

Note: Athletes 80 and over are permitted to compete in the 70-79 age group but must continue in that age category for any other event in that sport.

Doubles events: under 30, 30-49 and 50 and over (where applicable).

Juniors: 5 and under, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17.

Note: Juniors 15-17 years of age are permitted to compete in adult age events but must continue in that age category for any other event in that sport.

Living Donor/Supporter/Donor Family Division: There will be two age groups in this category, which will be determined at the close of registration.  

Age on the date of the Opening Ceremonies will apply.

As an athlete you can do up to 5 sports you are eligible to participate in. Please visit the sports page to learn more about what is available.

Don’t worry, partner! The Games organizers and provincial team captains will help match up people looking for a partner closer to the games, as registration and participation numbers are finalized

Transportation to and from the Ottawa airport terminal (August 3 and 9 only) and Carleton University residence, is included, as well as to all sport and special event venues. You may also choose to drive your own car if that is prefered and available to you. Please note: Parking costs are not included.