The first World Transplant Games (WTG 2025) in Germany will take place in Dresden from August 17 to 24, 2025. Around 2,500 athletes with transplants from 60 nations are expected to take part, according to the organizers. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has assumed the patronage.
The sporting event will open with an intercultural church service in the Frauenkirche and the entry of all athletes and nations. A charity run is also planned, "in which anyone can take part", said Gudrun Manuwald-Seemüller, Managing Director of World Transplant Games 2025 Dresden GmbH.
Dresden was awarded the contract for the 2022 sports event, which sees itself as a world championship for athletes with organ transplants, living donors and donor families. Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) spoke of a "sporting highlight that has never been seen before". It was a great honor for Dresden to be the host city "and to present itself as a cosmopolitan and enthusiastic sports metropolis". The competitions in 17 sports will be held in the new Heinz Steyer Stadium, among other venues.
Social topic in focus alongside sport
According to the announcement, the WTG 2025 is not just about sport. "The core message is health education on the subject of organ donation," it said. Ex-professional footballer Ivan Klasnic, who had three kidney transplants after falling ill, is campaigning for this. "Becoming an organ donor is a great opportunity to make a contribution," he said according to the press release. "Because everyone who is in the situation of waiting for an organ needs the help of an organ donor."
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