Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau: U.S. Transplant Games will leave imprint on area’s economy

Contact: Diane Morgenthaler, Director of Marketing

morgenthaler@visitmadison.com or 608.441.2622

(Madison, WI) Beginning Friday, July 30 and running through Wednesday, August 4, more than 1,500 athletes who have received organ donations will be coming to Madison, WI to complete in Olympic-style sporting events. The event will impact the area’s economy by bringing over 7,500 athletes, coaches, staff, friends and family to Madison for the five day event.

The National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games is a biennial competition that began in 1990 and gives organ transplant recipients the opportunity to compete in 12 different sports for gold, silver or bronze medals. It draws people from across the country to bring awareness to the importance of organ donations and spotlights how successful this life-saving gift can be. Besides athletic competitions, there will also be ceremonies that honor living donors and families of deceased organ donors.

The Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) estimates the economic impact of the games will bring our local economy approximately $2.4 million for the five day event. This increase in revenue will come from restaurants, shops, hotels, and other businesses that have contact with those visiting for the U.S. Transplant Games.

“The Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to be one of the Co-Sponsors of the National Kidney Foundation’s 2010 U.S. Transplant Games” says Deb Archer, President & CEO of the GMCVB. “This event reflects many of our community’s greatest strengths and our commitment to honoring and bettering human lives and recognizing heroes among us” adds Archer. A majority of the events will be held at Monona Terrace and the Alliant Energy Center, as well as University of Wisconsin-Madison locations and other venues throughout the greater Madison area.

To learn more about the U.S. Transplant Games visit http://www.kidney.org , or for more information about visiting Greater Madison and upcoming events and conventions visit http://www.visitmadison.com.

The Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination manager and leader of Madison and Dane County. 2009 estimated Dane County Traveler Expenditures equaled over $1 Billion.