SAINT PAUL, MN (July 15, 2025) — The Transplant Life Foundation is excited to announce that Saint Paul, Minnesota has been selected as the official host city for a powerful, week-long, multi-sport event. This event will bring together thousands of organ, eye, and tissue transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters from across the country.
The Games will be hosted in collaboration with Minnesota Sports and Events and Visit Saint Paul, showcasing the region’s vibrant culture, cutting-edge sports venues, and strong healthcare and transplant communities. The 2028 Games are expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees, including participants and spectators, generating a significant economic and cultural impact throughout the Twin Cities.
"We are thrilled to bring the Transplant Games to Saint Paul," said Bill Ryan, President & CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation. “The Midwest-friendly neighborhoods of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are the perfect setting for the family-friendly atmosphere that surrounds the Transplant Games. The powerful messaging that the Games represent combined with the Twin Cities’ appeal will truly make the 2028 Transplant Games special.”
The Transplant Games of America are held every two years in cities across the United States to honor the legacy of organ and tissue donors and highlight the life-saving power of transplantation. More than a sporting event, the Games serve as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and to celebrate second chances at life.
"Our community is home to a world-class healthcare system with exceptional specialty services that put patients first," said Mayor Melvin Carter. "We're honored to host the 2028 Transplant Games of America and showcase our city’s medical excellence as we celebrate a shared commitment to wellness and resilience."
Participants will compete in more than 20 athletic and recreational events, including track and field, swimming, basketball, pickleball, golf, cornhole, and volleyball. The Games also include a rousing Opening Ceremony, Donor Family Tribute, a robust public 5k Road Race, and over 40 special events for attendees and the public to advance organ donation awareness and community support.
"Hosting the 2028 Transplant Games is a huge win for Saint Paul and for our entire state,” said Wendy Williams Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, the state’s sports commission. “This event brings national visibility, meaningful economic impact, and a chance to tell powerful stories that align beautifully with our mission to bring purpose-driven events to Minnesota. We’re proud to be part of a collaborative effort that showcases the very best of who we are."
Minnesota, home to world-renowned transplant centers and a robust network of donor support organizations, is a natural host for this prestigious event. With its scenic beauty, summer festivals, and deep-rooted commitment to health and community, Saint Paul offers the perfect backdrop for sharing life-changing stories of hope, resilience, and triumph.
"We are honored that the Transplant Games of America has selected Saint Paul as the host city for 2028," said Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, president and CEO of Visit Saint Paul. "We are a vibrant, diverse community that shows up for one another—and we’re proud to welcome athletes, families, and supporters from across the country to share in this inspiring celebration of resilience."
The upcoming Transplant Games of America will be held in Denver, Colorado from June 18–23, 2026, continuing the tradition of honoring the transplant community through sport, storytelling, and connection. Past Games have taken place in cities such as Birmingham, San Diego, Meadowlands, Salt Lake City, Houston and Cleveland. The Transplant Games are made possible through the support of national and local partners, including transplant centers, organ procurement organizations (OPOs), donor registries, and community sponsors.
For more information on the Transplant Games, visit www.transplantgamesofamerica.org.
About Transplant Life Foundation
The Transplant Life Foundation is a national non-profit organization committed to supporting the transplant community, raising awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation, and honoring the gift of life. Through education, advocacy, and events, the Foundation brings together recipients, donor families, living donors, healthcare professionals, and supporters to celebrate second chances and inspire action.
At the heart of the Foundation’s work are the Transplant Games of America, first held in 1990. These festival-style events showcase the strength, resilience, and spirit of transplant recipients while paying tribute to the donors and families who make life possible.
About Minnesota Sports and Events
Minnesota Sports and Events is an independent 501c6 organization designed to bring significant economic, reputational, and social impact to the region through the attraction, promotion, and execution of world-class events. MNSE also advances community initiatives associated with each event with a focus on underserved communities and statewide engagement. For more information, visit www.mnsportsandevents.org.
About Visit Saint Paul
Visit Saint Paul is the official convention and visitors bureau for Minnesota's capital city of Saint Paul. Our mission is to get you to Saint Paul because we know you’re going to love it. Our work generates economic growth for Saint Paul by effectively marketing the RiverCentre campus, Saint Paul, and the region as preferred convention and tourism destination for all cultures and groups. For more information, visit VisitSaintPaul.com.
