The Sinapore Games; A Look Back

September 13, 1989. As I step up to the starting block, I am anxious. Would the previous month of intensive training in Ottawa be enough? Unprepared for the two false starts, I'm last off the mark for the race. A mere twenty seconds later and the men's 50 meter freestyle race is over. The gold medalist, from France, touches only inches in front of me.

November 9, 1982. I am not sure if I will ever be able to enjoy swimming again. At the age of twenty-four, I suffer kidney failure. It will be a surprise to learn that I will win a silver and two bronze medals at the 7th World Transplant Games.

August 17th, 1983. My father and I lie still, outside the operating rooms at the University of Alberta Hospital and talk incoherently about the latest spy novels. In three hours, the doctors perform their 400th kidney transplant. After ten months on dialysis, I will have a second chance and my life will return to normal. My father gave me a kidney.

As the Canadian team marches into the Ngee Ann Stadium for the Opening Ceremonies, I'm all choked up. After two years in the making, with the long drives to Dawson Creek to swim, aching muscles, my wife's encouragement, hundreds of phone calls and letter, and the support of Quintelle Coal Limited, a dream was about to come true...

The Canadian contingent, with 30 participants from St. John's to Vancouver, was the fourth largest. The crazy canucks became well known for their cowboy hats, rowdy cheers and aggressive pin trading. Athletically, we made a respectable showing, placing sixth, with 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 9 Bronze medals.

The Singapore trip was about sports, culture and hope. Talking with transplant recipients from all over the world made me realize that many individuals are bouncing back from serious health problems with the help of family, friends and anonymous donors. It is important to share the lesson that even when faced with terrible situations, there is always a way. My friends in Tumbler Ridge should know that a simple act of signing their drivers license Organ Donor card is significant. Some day someone might be grateful for a second chance.

Stewart Lockwood
Kidney Transplant Recipient