Coolamon’s Australian Transplant Games competitor Andrew Veigel has returned from last week’s Games, not only with medals, but with some memories that will last a lifetime. The talented all-round sportsman was eligible to compete in the Games as he had a kidney transplant in 2017, after receiving dialysis for five years previously. The Games, one of Australia’s most inspirational sporting events, are unlike any other event – uniting donors, recipients, families and supporters in a powerful celebration of life, community and resilience. The action started with a vibrant opening ceremony parade through City Park in Launceston, followed by a welcome reception in the Albert Hall, marking the first time in its 40-year history that the event has been held in Tasmania. Part of the NSW team, Veigel’s medal tally included two gold medals. “I had a fabulous time at the games,” he said. “The first day of competition was singles lawn bowls; I played five games and won all my five games, so I won a gold medal in my age division. “Then on Tuesday, we played singles and doubles pétanque. “I won my three pool matches and won another gold medal for my age division for singles and in the doubles, we won two matches and lost one, so no medal in doubles. “On Wednesday, we played lawn bowls doubles – we played four games and won two and lost two.” Veigel was originally scheduled to compete in the darts and ten-pin bowling events, but health and safety protocols intervened when a bout of influenza swept through several transplant athletes, which led to instructions for them to stay away from competition. Consequently, Veigel’s participation had to be cut short. “Unfortunately, I caught influenza and couldn’t compete in Thursday’s ten pin bowling singles and doubles and couldn’t compete in Friday’s darts singles and doubles,” Veigel said. “I also got to miss the gala dinner on Saturday night as Transplant NSW Chairperson. “I was really looking forward to that evening, but couldn’t attend, however NSW did win the Victor Chang award for best-performed team at the Games.” For Veigel, the absolute highlight of the entire trip had nothing to do with his own medals. Although illness may have cut Veigel’s trip short, he still managed to bring home some unforgettable memories. “I know my games were cut short due to illness, but I had a ball of a time,” Veigel said. “The biggest highlight was watching my wife Amanda play pétanque in the supporter category, winning three of her matches and winning a gold champion badge.”
