The 25th World Transplant Games came to a festive close in Dresden – and many athletes and guests are already calling them the “best Games ever.” After seven days full of sports, emotions, and moving stories, the city of Dresden bid farewell to 2,500 participants, families, and supporters from 51 nations.
The final competitions in athletics, the traditional Circle of Life at Heinz-Steyer-Stadium, and the symbolic handover of the Baton of Life to Leuven, Belgium – host city of the 2027 Games – marked a powerful finale. Athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters then gathered at the Gala Dinner to celebrate together and reflect on an unforgettable week.
Great Britain topped the medal table with 173 gold, 132 silver, and 98 bronze medals, followed by Team Germany and Team USA. Yet beyond the medals, what truly mattered were the countless stories of courage, resilience, and the second chance at life organ donation makes possible.
Organizers and the World Transplant Games Federation drew an overwhelmingly positive conclusion. WTGF President Liz Schick summed it up with heartfelt words: “Thank you Dresden! I am simply overwhelmed by what has happened here. Again and again, we heard: ‘The best organized Games ever.’”
Highlights of the week included inspiring competitions in 17 sports, the emotional Intercultural Celebration in the Frauenkirche, the triathlon at Brettmühlenteich, and outstanding performances in the swimming complex at Freiberger Straße. Patron Elke Büdenbender and WTG ambassador Roland Kaiser, both transplant recipients themselves, brought their personal stories of hope to Dresden, touching everyone present.
The Games were made possible thanks to the extraordinary dedication of medical teams, volunteers, partners, and sponsors. Doctors from the University Hospital and the Städtisches Klinikum Dresden provided world-class care, ensuring the safety and well-being of all athletes. Volunteers gave their time, energy, and hearts to make the Games shine.
In numbers, the Games told their own story: “5,953,928 gifted days” and “16,312 gifted years of life” were symbolically recorded. The youngest participant was just five years old, the oldest 89. Parallel to the competitions, the IPSOT Medical Symposium brought together 120 experts, and the largest single distribution of organ donor cards in Germany – 100,000 copies – raised awareness across the region.
From the first day to the last, Dresden showed itself as a city of warmth, hospitality, and community. As Dr. Eberhard Schollmeyer of TransDia Sport Deutschland e.V. put it: “Everyone felt welcome here. I have heard it again and again: these were the best Games ever.”
The World Transplant Games 2025 have left their mark – on Dresden, on the global transplant community, and on everyone who experienced this extraordinary celebration of life.
Thank you Dresden – see you in Leuven in 2027!
