Overview

• A closing ceremony at Dresden’s Heinz-Steyer-Stadion concluded the first edition of the Games held in Germany.
• About 2,200 participants from 51 nations took part, including more than 1,500 transplanted athletes competing in 17 sports.
• Federation president Liz Schick said the event showcases what transplants make possible and encourages people to consider becoming donors.
• Patron Elke Büdenbender and ambassadors Tamara Schwab and Roland Kaiser praised the athletes and used their platforms to promote organ donation.
• Organizers pointed to Germany’s shortage, citing 953 deceased donors in 2024 and nearly 8,300 people on waiting lists, as discussion of presumed consent gains traction.