Medals awarded to WNY transplant athletes

Team Western New York (Transplant Athletes of Buffalo and WNY) did Western New Yorkers proud once again as 10 different athletes brought home a total of 20 medals, including seven gold medals, from the National Kidney Foundation 2006 U.S. Transplant Games held in June in Louisville, Ky.

Scott Nichol of Williamsville was a big winner with three medals - silver medal in the 1500-meter run, and bronze medals in the 400-meter dash and the 800-meter run.

First-time participant, Dr. Robert Kaprove of Williamsville, president of the National Kidney Foundation of WNY, brought home a silver medal in the 20K cycling event.

Double medal winner Joey Simonick of Williamsville won silver in 1K cycling and bronze in 25-meter freestyle. Both were in the 11-13 age group. A total of 20 athletes competed

in the games. Along with the athletes, six donor family members attended.

Team WNY dedicated this year's games to fellow athlete Jack Fulater. He competed in the games for more than 20 years and was one of the original athletes to participate from the Western New York area.

For more information contact the National Kidney Foundation of Western New York at 835-1323 or visit transplantgames.org.