Closing Event at the World Transplant Games held in Dresden
World Transplant Games Make a Triumphant Debut in Germany
The World Transplant Games made history this year as they were held in Germany for the first time. Over 2,200 participants and helpers from 51 nations gathered in Dresden to compete in 17 sports, including tennis, swimming, and athletics.
At the helm of the World Transplant Games Federation since 2023 is Liz Schick, a transplant recipient herself. Schick led the games with passion and dedication, showcasing the miracle of organ donation and transplantation.
Among the ambassadors for the games were Tamara Schwab, author of "Dein Herz, mein Herz", who received a heart transplant in 2021, and singer Roland Kaiser, who received a lung transplant 15 years ago. Their inspiring stories served as a testament to the life-changing impact of organ donation.
The ambassadors for the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden are all the athletes themselves. They represent hope to people on transplant waiting lists worldwide. The First Lady of Germany, Elke Büdenbender, acts as the patron of the event. Büdenbender, who received a kidney transplant from her husband in 2010, expressed her enthusiasm after the finale, praising the achievements of transplanted people and receiving standing ovations from the audience.
The games and accompanying events received significant attention, with Büdenbender emphasizing that they are about more than just sports. They are about being together, exchanging ideas, and living a fantastic second life. Calls for a so-called opt-out system, which would allow organ removal after death unless explicitly objected to during a person's lifetime, are growing louder in Germany.
In 2024, 953 people donated one or more organs after their death in Germany, according to the German Organ Transplantation Foundation. However, at the end of the same year, nearly 8,300 people were on waiting lists for organ transplants. This underscores the importance of initiatives aimed at increasing organ donation.
As the games concluded, Roland Kaiser highlighted the importance of fairness in the games. He stated that athletes show appreciation for each other, and this should serve as a role model for society. The World Transplant Games in Dresden have left a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of organ donation and transplantation, and inspiring hope for those on waiting lists.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
