The Transplant Games of America, which celebrates the second chances for organ transplant recipients throughout the U.S., got a new lease on life when the West Michigan Sports Commission and local organizers teamed up to rescue the Olympic-style sports festival.

The Transplant games started off with an opening ceremony on 28 July 2012 and ended in splendour on 31^st July 2012. Various games such as Country 5 km run, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, racquetball and volleyball were conducted for the participants. In all, there were nearly 1,000 athletes, 1,500 donor families, sponsorship from Spectrum Health and Saint Mary's Health Care and 700 volunteers who helped turn the rebranded games into a smashing success.

Utah-Idaho was honoured as the top scoring team of the Transplant Games. Diane Miller, a liver transplant recipient from Team Arizona, was named the top female athlete while Don Enhot, a 75-year-old heart transplant recipient from Team Philly, was named the top male athlete.

Joe Eitzel of Team Virginia was named the top youth participant and received a standing ovation for his special display of compassion and sportsmanship in his age group in the 50-metre sprint. He stopped short of the finish line and surrendered his medal position to another runner who was using a walker. The purpose of the Transplant Games of America is to spread the message about the importance of organ donation, the second chance of life and proving that transplantation does work.