Transplant Games of America 2026: A Well-Deserved Celebration for Our Very Own Rocky Mountain Team

 

 

Following the Transplant Games of America this past weekend, our team at American Transplant Foundation had the pleasure of hosting a celebratory social hour for the Rocky Mountain Team. Stories, laughter, smiles, and camaraderie were shared over bruschetta, calamari, and pizza as teammates, families, supporters, and friends gathered to celebrate an unforgettable weekend. 

  

 

A special thank you to Colore Italian on Broadway for helping make the evening so memorable. Their warm hospitality, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere provided the perfect setting for our community to come together, reconnect, and celebrate the accomplishments of the Rocky Mountain Team. These accomplishments included Team Rocky Mountain’s ability to field its largest team ever, with 157 members, including 98 athletes representing Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The athletes competed in every sport offered at the Games and returned home with an incredible 144 medals—78 gold, 42 silver, and 24 bronze.

 

 

Beyond the many medals and accomplishments achieved by the team, community ties were strengthened, and our donor family grew. The dedication and competition represent merely one part of what makes the Transplant Games so meaningful. The stories and experiences of living donors, recipients, caregivers, supporters, and donor families are our “why” here at ATF. To advocate, support, and raise awareness about the transplant community’s victories, challenges, and milestones is an incredible honor.

 

 

As the evening unfolded, guests had the opportunity to reconnect with teammates and make new connections through a variety of fun activities. Olympic-themed photo booth props brought out plenty of laughs and memorable snapshots, while interactive games served as natural icebreakers that sparked conversations about how each person became connected to the transplant community. Whether someone was a recipient, living donor, caregiver, family member, or supporter, every conversation deepened the unique bonds that unite this community.

 

 

One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing Rocky Mountain Team Captain Andrew Menard, whose leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm helped make this year’s Games such a success. As a valued friend of the American Transplant Foundation and a passionate advocate for the transplant community, Andrew embodies the spirit of connection and encouragement that makes the Rocky Mountain Team so special. We were honored to present him with a small token of appreciation in recognition of the countless hours he invests in supporting his team and inspiring those around him.

 

What stood out most throughout the evening was the same feeling we experienced all weekend at the Games: community. The Transplant Games may be a competition, but at heart they are a celebration of life, second chances, resilience, generosity, and hope. The social hour provided an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and celebrate not just athletic achievements, but the journeys that brought everyone together in the first place. 

 

 

                  

 

To the Rocky Mountain Team, thank you for allowing us to celebrate alongside you. Your strength, determination, and support for one another continue to inspire us every day. We are grateful to be part of such a remarkable community and look forward to cheering you on for years to come. 

       

 

Congratulations on an incredible Transplant Games of America 2026. We can’t wait to see what comes next! 

Check out Our Event Slideshow (also seen above!) to see the full extent of the festivities!