World Cup for athletes with donor organs begins

Ahead of the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Health Minister Petra Köpping promoted organ donation. "Organ donation offers the great happiness of a second life," said the SPD politician. The World Championships for athletes with a donor organ ensured that the topic was carried around the world. "In the interests of those who are in urgent need of an organ, it is my hope that consent to organ donation will become normal after one's own death," explained Köpping.

According to the figures, 182 organs were removed for transplantation from 72 people in Saxony last year. This was more than in 2023 with 66 organ donors and 181 organs removed. However, just under 400 people were waiting for a transplant in the state at the end of 2024.

From athletics to tennis: competitions in 17 sports

The World Transplant Games were to be opened on Sunday evening with a ceremony in Dresden's Heinz Steyer Stadium. Prior to this, a "Parade of Nations" through the old town was on the program. The sports festival lasts a week. 2,200 participants and helpers from 51 nations - including over 1,500 transplanted athletes - are expected to attend.

These special world championships are being held in Germany for the first time. They are intended to show what people with a new organ are capable of. The participants will compete in 17 sports, including tennis, swimming and athletics.