HOUSTON, Texas – Houston was set to host the 2021 World Transplant Games, but when the global pandemic forced the cancellation of the event, the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority created the 5K AnyWay–a virtual race around the world in which participants can complete their 3.1 miles how they want.
From May 28 to June 4, participants can run, swim, row, walk or get creative–think kicking soccer goals or walking a round of golf–as the race rolls through every time zone and every continent while circling the globe.
“The pandemic gave us its best shot, but we were determined to host this event in a safe way without losing the uplifting spirit and inspiration that pours out of these games,” said Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke. “We took what could have been seen a negative, and we have been creating something extremely positive for the transplant community. For the first time in the event’s history, transplant waitlist patients, donor families, and supporters of all kinds are able to compete.”
5K AnyWay participants will cap off the week festivities on June 5 with a virtual celebration. The World Transplant Games is designed to unite transplant recipients, donors, donor families, healthcare workers, and supporters from around the world, all while raising awareness for transplantation and benefiting the World Transplant Games Federation’s Fit For Life! youth initiative.
