Denver is set to host 2026 American port gamea celebration of life that brings awareness to the desperate needs of organ transplants in the United States, bringing together donors, recipients, people waiting for transplants and their supporters. This is the first time the game has been played in Denver.
Set from June 17th to June 23rd, 2026, Denver's port game includes 20 athletics for donors and recipients as well as all other events to participate. Transplant Life Foundation.
Denver has been chosen to host the Transplant Life Foundation in collaboration with the Denver TGA Host Committee.
“The region's rich landscape and scenic beauty enhances an unparalleled group of venues suitable for our transplant families,” said Bill Ryan, president and CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation, in this release.
The game has been around since 1990 and is held every two years. The festival honors donors and recipients while educating participants about the situations faced by people in need of organ transplants.
“We celebrate and inspire others to educate and inspire others to raise a strong educational drive towards the risks of the growing healthcare crisis in America. Kidney disease caused by rising American obesity, diabetes and hypertension.”
As a 2024 kidney recipient, McIntosh launched a public awareness campaign called Five Drive for 5, dedicated to increasing number of organ donations. MacIntosh said he wants to continue his education through the transplant game and encourage people to share spare kidneys.
“People can share spares, save lives and live precious lives,” McIntosh said.
Ryan said he hopes the game will raise awareness of healthcare disparities.
“We have a mission to make more organs available to those in need,” Ryan said. “Traditionally people of color don't acquire organs. It's economic, and some fear of government is financial.”
In the US, there are 115,000 people waiting for a life-saving transplant. More than 1,300 people live in Colorado, according to the release. Every 10 minutes, another person will be added to the waiting list. On average, 18-20 people on the list wait and die every day.
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