Two area athletes are getting ready to show the nation how they feel about the importance of organ donation.

George Shimpeno, of Edinboro, and Dale Arndt, of Erie, are preparing to head to Pittsburgh next week for the U.S. Transplant Games.

The two men are transplant recipients and they plan to participate in several events in the olympic-style games.

Shimpeno received a new kidney in 1999, and Arndt was the recipient of a new heart three years ago.

The two men have been practicing to play table tennis at the games.  Shimpeno also plans to run a 5K race and compete in tennis.  Arndt will be competing in volleyball and basketball.

Shimpeno has already won the gold medal in his age group for the 5K at the 2006 games in Louisville, Ky.  He also won a silver medal in tennis at those games, but he says the games are about more than just walking away with the hardware.

"If you didn't win a medal at all, it wouldn't make any difference, because the people you come in contact with are such wonderful folks," Shimpeno said. 

The Transplant Games also focus on organ donation awareness.  Arndt says increased awareness could save lives. 

"I was very lucky to receive a heart," Arndt said.  "Only 2,000 people a year receive hearts, and there's a lot of people today who are waiting and waiting for hearts.  Some will never get a heart," he added.

For more information on the U.S. Transplant games, click here.

To find out about organ donation in Pennsylvania, click here.