Team Rocky Mountain Shines on Home Turf in Transplant Games
From June 18 to 23, 2026, the Mile High City hosted the Transplant Games of America, a six-day celebration that brings together transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, those awaiting transplant, medical professionals, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters from across the country and around the world. It was Olympic competition, part reunion, part tribute. Team Rocky Mountain is made up of transplant recipients, living donors, donor family members, and supporters from Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The team had over 100 members, and welcomed teams from across the U.S. and internationally from places like Australia and the Philippines.
As the host team for the 2026 Games, they had been building toward this moment for years. “Team Rocky Mountain delivered an exceptional performance at the 2026 Transplant Games of America, proudly representing Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana as the host team,” said Mark McIntosh, chair of the 2026 Denver TGA Host Committee and a kidney recipient himself. “Our delegation of 157 members, including 98 athletes, showcased remarkable determination, sportsmanship, and gratitude throughout the week.”
This year, Team Rocky Mountain brought home an impressive 132 medals—63 gold, 46 silver, and 23 bronze—with several athletes earning multiple medals in their respective events. The swimming, track & field, and cycling teams led the way with 38, 34, and 22 medals, respectively, contributing to medal-winning performances in 15 different sports. Team Manager Andrew Menard was also honored as the 2026 Transplant Games Male Athlete of the Year, recognizing both his athletic accomplishments and leadership throughout the Games.
The team has a track record worth celebrating as well. At the 2018 Games in Salt Lake City, they earned 27 gold, 20 silver, and 12 bronze medals and participated in setting the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of solid organ transplant recipients in one place. At the 2022 Games in San Diego, they took home 30 medals total, including 15 gold, and finished ninth in the team cup standings. While these achievements are certainly worth celebrating, many team members say their greatest accomplishment was the community that grew throughout the journey. From first-time participants discovering the unique spirit of the Transplant Games to longtime teammates reconnecting with friends, the Games strengthened bonds within the local transplant community.
A Tradition That Celebrates Second Chances
Since 1990, the Transplant Games of America have served as a reminder of the lives transformed through donation. Every two years, transplant recipients take to the track, pool, court, and stage to celebrate the gift of life while honoring the individuals and families who made their journeys possible. Throughout the week in Denver, athletes competed in dozens of events while donor families, living donors, and supporters gathered to share stories, create memories, and celebrate a community united by hope and gratitude. At its heart, the Transplant Games’ goal is to reinforce that organ, eye, and tissue donation makes a difference.
Rima Manomaitis takes gold in the long jump
Transplant Games of America 2026, Denver CO – Team Rocky Mountain (Rima pictured on right)
Just over a year after receiving her second double-lung transplant, Rima Manomaitis captured first place in the long jump, soaring 10.4 feet to earn a gold medal for Team Rocky Mountain. “It was a great day filled with cheering for teammates, meeting new friends, and hearing inspiring stories,” Rima shared. “My legs still have a ways to go for getting stronger since my transplant.” She also reflected on the determination of fellow competitors, applauding athletes who tackled demanding distance events that she joked she would “absolutely not” attempt herself. Her story highlights that transplantation creates opportunities to compete, grow stronger, and achieve dreams.
Donor Alliance Teammates Bring Home Medals
Two Donor Alliance staff members competed in this year’s Games, proving that the transplant community’s spirit extends far beyond the workplace. KrissaMarie Hart earned two gold medals in Track & Field, while liver recipient and Donor Alliance team member Doug Milligan helped lead Team Rocky Mountain’s cycling efforts. The team swept the podium in several age categories, and Doug returned home with both a silver and a bronze medal. “It’s safe to say that transplantation hasn’t slowed any of us down,” said Doug.
Golden Moments in Cornhole
Heart recipient Heather Smoot teamed up with Karyn Pocernich to capture a gold medal in Cornhole, adding another memorable achievement to Team Rocky Mountain’s successful week. Less than two years after her transplant, Heather’s win went beyond competition—it was about being back with her community and doing something she loves again.
Meaningful moments extended far beyond the medal stand
Seven years after losing their son, Beth and Larry Sparks met the man carrying his heart. Clayton Sparks was just 24 years old when he passed away in 2019. Through his decision to be an organ donor, his heart gave Jay a second chance at life. Also there to witness the special moment were Abby and Reid. Reid received a direct-donation liver transplant from Clayton, and he and Abby have remained close with the Sparks family ever since. Abby later wrote a children’s book, Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark, inspired by Clayton’s story and the impact of his life. The group spent the weekend together cheering Reid on as he competed in the Transplant Games, honoring Clayton and the legacy he continues to leave behind. Seven years later, Clayton’s legacy is still bringing people together, and the love he left behind continues to grow.
Donor family meeting their daughter’s transplant recipient
Watch the reunion video and read Clayton’s full story here.
History made with a new world record
The Transplant Games of America celebrated a Guinness World Record moment, bringing together 966 living donors and organ recipients in one place at the same time. The milestone highlighted the scale of the gathering and the power of the transplant community coming together in one city. Read more about the milestone here.
The Next Chapter
As the week wrapped up, the medals were packed away and the venues emptied out, but the feeling of community didn’t fade. Denver experienced the Transplant Games at their core—people showing up for one another, celebrating second chances, and carrying donor legacies in every race, throw, and finish-line moment. The 2028 Transplant Games of America will take place August 4–9, 2028, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, hosted in collaboration with Minnesota Sports and Events and Visit Saint Paul. Until then, Team Rocky Mountain has much to be proud of, leaving with medals, new stories, lasting connections, and a strong sense of community.
If you haven’t already, the most important thing anyone can do is register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Visit DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org to add your name to the registry today.
The Transplant Games of America are organized by the Transplant Life Foundation. Donor Alliance is the organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming and a proud supporter of Team Rocky Mountain and the 2026 Denver Games.
