Overview

• A closing ceremony at Dresden’s Heinz‑Steyer‑Stadion capped the first World Transplant Games hosted in Germany, featuring the traditional “Circle of Life.”
• About 2,500 athletes and companions from 51 countries competed in 17 sports, with the United Kingdom leading the medal table and Germany placing second.
• Organizers coupled the competition with outreach by distributing around 100,000 organ‑donor cards and hosting a symposium for roughly 120 medical and policy experts.
• Germany’s donation shortfall was underscored by figures of 953 deceased donors in 2024 and about 8,300 people on waiting lists, as discussion grows over a presumed‑consent system.
• The federation confirmed Leuven, Belgium, as the 2027 host, with ambassadors Tamara Schwab and Roland Kaiser and patron Elke Büdenbender lending high‑profile support.