Schlager star Roland Kaiser knows firsthand what it means to be given a second chance at life. After his lung transplant, he resumed his music career with great success. Today, he was announced as the official ambassador of the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden.
“Sport played a crucial role in my recovery after my transplant in 2010—both physically and mentally. Regular exercise helped me build strength and improve my immune system, which was vital to my healing and overall well-being,” Roland Kaiser said in explaining his commitment to the Games.
To this day, the pop icon stays active every day—keeping fit for performances like his legendary “Kaisermania,” which concludes just before the start of the Games in Dresden. “If I had to choose a sport, it would probably be cycling or swimming,” he added.
Numerous highlights during the World Transplant Games
The Games will feature competitions in 17 sports, hosted in venues such as the Heinz-Steyer Stadium and the swimming complex at Freiberger Platz.
“We’ve already received 1,900 registrations, including 150 from Team Germany. That puts us on a great path,” says Gudrun Manuwald-Seemüller, Managing Director of the WTG 2025 Dresden GmbH and Chairwoman of TransDia Sport Germany e.V.
One of the major highlights will be the Parade of Nations on the afternoon of August 17, as part of the official opening ceremony. “Participants from all countries will march together from the Neustadt side over the Augustus Bridge into the Old Town, culminating in a grand entrance into Heinz-Steyer Stadium,” adds Manuwald-Seemüller.
With the kind support of the “Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation,” an interfaith thanksgiving service will also be held on the same day at 1 p.m. in the Frauenkirche.
Dresden’s Mayor, Dirk Hilbert, is especially looking forward to a vibrant and bustling city during the Games. The Dresden City Festival “Canaletto” will conclude on the same day the Games begin.
“The city festival will serve as an emotional opening to the World Transplant Games, bringing together visitors, athletes, and residents on equal footing. It will raise awareness for a powerful message: the joy of life, the strength of sport, and the importance of organ donation. The participants will have a platform to share their stories and inspire others,” says Hilbert, who already had the chance to experience the Games during the handover ceremony in Perth, Australia.
“It was deeply moving and inspiring. I’m convinced that this same spirit will captivate Dresden.”
Too few organ donors in Germany
Statistics highlight how essential education on transplants still is—particularly in Germany, where the number of organ donors remains consistently low. Just 10 organ donors per million people are recorded, compared to 46 in Spain and 25 in Austria (Source: IRODaT 2023). According to the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO), 8,716 organs are currently on waiting lists (as of December 31, 2023).
“The eastern region of Germany, including Saxony, is somewhat of a positive exception. But compared to international figures, Germany lags far behind,” says Petra Köpping, Saxon State Minister for Social Affairs, Health, and Social Cohesion.
“That’s why I keep encouraging everyone to engage with the topic and make an informed, personal decision. Many find it easier when there’s a personal connection or a meaningful occasion—like the World Transplant Games.”
Participant Tamara Schwab looks forward to the games
Tamara Schwab, born in Nuremberg, is particularly excited for the Games. After suffering cardiac arrest and undergoing a heart transplant in 2021, she has since shared her story publicly as an author—including on the SPIEGEL bestseller list—and influencer. In 2024, she was named Vice Miss Germany.
“It’s something truly special when people with similar stories come together to celebrate life. For me, the WTG are filled with gratitude, and I’m incredibly excited to take part for the first time. I want to share my story openly, because organ donation is still heavily stigmatized and associated with patients on the brink of death. But it’s a topic that can touch anyone.”
Partners support with equipment and volunteers
A key part of the WTG in Dresden will be the volunteers, who support the event in areas such as catering, transportation, medical assistance, sports equipment, and officiating.
To this end, World Transplant Games 2025 Dresden GmbH has brought on board strong cooperation partners: the University Sports Center Dresden and IBB Private Schools Dresden. Both partners will contribute many trainees and students to the volunteer program and provide valuable expertise. Around 500 volunteers will be needed for the event.
Those who want to seize this unique opportunity and get involved as a volunteer at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden can find more information at www.wtg2025.com and apply via www.germanvolunteers.de.
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