Next step on Nick's 'inspiring journey'

Liver recipient Nick De Bonis, from Samford Valley, will answer Queensland's call next month at the Australian Transplant Games.

De Bonis is heading south to Canberra to represent his state in six days of sport for those who have received a life-saving transplant.

It comes just days after the 18-year-old returned from the first Transplant Football World Cup in Italy, where he wore the green and gold of Australia.

The Aussies beat Wales 4-1 in a play-off for seventh and eighth places and won the Fair Play Award for their teamwork, respect and sportsmanship.

De Bonis was three months old when diagnosed with biliary atresia (blocked ducts inside and outside the liver) and put on a transplant waiting list.

He spent the next nine months fighting for life until his parents received a call that a suitable liver had been found.

Thanks to the gift of life, De Bonis played juniors for Samford Rangers and is now at North Star’s Under 18 Academy, as well as playing for Padua College.

The teenager has no memory of life before his transplant but hopes competing at the Australian Transplant Games (October 1-6) will make his donor proud.

“I hope my journey can inspire people and show what life can be like post-transplant,” he said.

The 17^th Australian Transplant Games will have athletes from New Zealand and Thailand and a call to action: ‘Give the gift of tomorrow, register as a donor today’.

The six-day event, features competitors, including transplant recipients, living donors and donor families, and supporters competing in 19 sports.

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas, said with more than 1800 Aussies waiting for a transplant it was crucial to promote a positive message of lives saved.

“Every Australian can make a difference by registering as a donor. It takes just one minute but has the potential to give someone years of extra life,” he said.

“These Games demonstrate what transplant recipients can achieve on the sporting field.”

The Organ & Tissue Authority is the Official Partner of the Australian Transplant Games, which will be at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.