"One way of raising awareness about organ and tissue donation is to celebrate with recipients their second chance at life," Mr Stanhope said.

"The Australian Transplant Games, organised by Transplant Australia, has this celebration at its core and the ACT Government is proud to support their efforts to increase the awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

"Raising awareness about organ and tissue donation is an essential key to increasing the number of successful transplants in Australia. I encourage people to sign on as organ donors on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) and to discuss their decision with their family.

"There will be many opportunities for Canberrans to participate in this event and to share in the celebrations of organ recipients as they enjoy their second chance at life," Mr Stanhope said.

There are approximately 1800 people nationwide on the waiting list for an organ donation. In 2008 there were 5 multi organ donors and 37 tissue donors in the ACT. Across Australia last year, 259 organ donors allowed 846 people to receive an organ transplant giving them a second lease on life.

Over 1000 participants from all over Australia and overseas will gather for the games and more information about Transplant Australia and the Transplant Games can be found at http://www.transplant.org.au/.

To register as an organ donor, visit http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ or call 1800 777 203 and then talk to your family about your decision.