Benefits of exercise: The European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Games

The physical and mental benefits of exercise are well known and documented; with messaging from the Government and in the media encouraging us all to have an active lifestyle. A lot of us can take the ability to exercise for granted, but for those with CKD and receiving dialysis, physical activity can be challenging. A side effect of dialysis treatment is tiredness and coldness and because of this, many patients don’t partake in regular exercise.

For dialysis patients, The European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Games is a great way to build up that resilience, while having the additional comfort of knowing that everyone taking part has been through similar life experiences, if not the same things as you.

The European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Games first came to be in 2000, and take place bi-annually, with people participating from all over Europe. For the first time in history, next year’s games will be held in the United Kingdom at Oxford. 

To find out more about what it’s like to participate in the games from the perspective of a dialysis patient, we caught up with one of our patients, Pam, who was on dialysis for six years.  

Pam, who swims leisurely on occasion, started partaking in the European Transplant Games in 2016, sharing that it has had significant positive impact on her mental wellbeing. She shares that competing in the games can also be a real confidence boost, as it gives dialysis patients something to focus on, while having the opportunity to see different places and meet many people from all over Europe.

The great thing about the games, is that there is something for everyone. From archery and darts for those that don’t particularly enjoy the more rigorous sport, to swimming, tennis and a virtual triathlon, for those that have a bit more energy. And for individuals that don’t want to compete at all but would still like to support the games, coming along to spectate is also an option.

 “Knowing that the other competitors have been through a similar journey is comforting, everybody has a story to tell” – Pam

Next year’s games will be taking place during August, with dialysis facilities being made available at Oxford university hospital during games week, for anybody who would like to join in. There will also be a number of social events being held during the week of the games, giving plenty of opportunities for patients to share their story and get to know each other.  

If you would like to find out more about the games, visit www.transplantsport.org.uk