Crew UAE’s historic debut on the World Transplant Video games has turn out to be a strong image of hope and power, because the workforce celebrates a sequence of exceptional medal wins – together with two standout golds from Fatima Rashid within the javelin throw and Omar “OT” Tom within the 200m dash. Their victories not solely mark private triumphs but in addition shine a highlight on the resilience of the transplant group, marking an unforgettable assertion on the worldwide stage.
These achievements observe an earlier win within the week, the place Katie Larkins and Husena Beguwala claimed bronze within the Pétanque Pairs occasion, incomes Crew UAE its first podium end of the Video games. Including to the momentum, Fatima additionally added to the tally with a bronze medal within the 200m dash, showcasing her versatility and dedication throughout a number of disciplines.
Fatima Rashid, a kidney transplant recipient and passionate advocate for kidney well being and psychological well-being, took gold in javelin. Reflecting on her javelin win and dash bronze medal, Fatima mentioned:
“It’s all so surreal. I used to be very centered on the sprints and truthfully javelin took a sidestep because of this, however I’m positively very, very proud that we are able to convey again one thing and present our transplant group the hope that’s attainable.”
Fatima’s journey exemplifies resilience. A licensed rescue diver, rock climber, and CrossFit fanatic, she competed in a number of occasions – each a tribute to motion, restoration, and the reward of life.
Additionally representing the UAE within the dash occasions is Omar “OT” Tom who received gold, a two-time kidney transplant recipient and entrepreneur. Recognized with continual kidney illness as a toddler, Omar defied medical expectations. He underwent his first transplant at 21, donated by his father, and later acquired a second kidney from his brother after six years.
Now an completed enterprise proprietor and aggressive post-transplant athlete, Omar mentioned:
“I’m deeply grateful for the gold, but it surely’s not what the World Transplant Video games are about, it’s a celebration of miracles.
It is a celebration of each step since I acquired my kidneys from my father (2010) and brother (2016). Each second has been a miracle. I’m grateful that God blessed me with an opportunity to convey my kidneys from the Center East to the world stage. Could we proceed to have hope, braveness and gratitude for the longer term.”
Crew UAE’s participation is supported by Hayat, the Nationwide Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation. Their debut on the Video games follows the UAE’s official membership within the World Transplant Video games Federation (WTGF) in 2024 – a landmark second that opened the doorways for transplant recipients throughout the Emirates to compete and join on a worldwide stage.
Katie Larkins , liver transplant recipient and Crew Captain & Supervisor mentioned: “I’m actually happy with how the workforce has carried out in our debut entrance to the WTG. The workforce has labored extremely onerous to be right here, and I feel we’ve represented the UAE nicely. It’s an incredible feeling to be bringing house 5 medals! My hope is that we’ve highlighted what’s attainable with the beneficiant reward of organ donation and that we are able to encourage different transplant recipients within the UAE to make one of the best of their second probabilities.”
I’d additionally like to provide my sincerest because of our sponsors: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic Carry out, Asics, Warehouse Gymnasium, Runnies sun shades, AIS Dubai, Rebrand.ae, StickyGinger, Tribe w nos, Chop em Down Movies, and Ok-Cal. We couldn’t have achieved this with out them.
Crew UAE Athletes:
- Omar “OT” Tom – Kidney transplant recipient
- Fatima Rashid – Kidney transplant recipient
- Fatima Hind – Residing kidney donor
- Justin Anthony – Double lung transplant recipient
- Katie Larkins – Liver transplant recipient, Crew Captain & Supervisor
- Husena Beguwala – Double lung transplant recipient