During the Championships, the WTG2025 team, accompanied by our beloved mascot TX Teddy, actively engaged with participants, organizers, and spectators. We had the opportunity to share exciting details about the World Transplant Games 2025, generating enthusiasm and anticipation for what promises to be a spectacular event next year.
Anne-Maria Gehlhar, Managing Director of the World Transplant Games 2025 Dresden GmbH, played a pivotal role in our Lisbon mission. She delivered presentations at the General Assemblies of the European Heart and Lung Transplant Federation and the European Transplant & Dialysis Sports Federation. Her presentations covered the unique charm of Dresden, the state-of-the-art sports facilities, and the various sports disciplines that will be featured at the WTG2025.
The German team shone brightly at the Championships, marking its presence as the largest German contingent ever at an international competition. With 72 members, including 50 transplant athletes, 2 dialysis athletes, 1 living donor athlete, and 19 registered supporters, Team Germany achieved outstanding results. Competing against nearly 600 athletes from 24 nations, the German team secured an impressive haul of 55 gold, 34 silver, and 27 bronze medals. This achievement not only made it the most successful German team to date but also placed them second in the overall nation ranking, just behind Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and ahead of Hungary.
Six German athletes were honored for their exceptional performances, including awards for the best male and female in both the open category and the heart/lung transplant category, as well as recognition for dialysis athletes. A standout among them was Brigitte Grotmann from Kirchhundem/Sauerland, who won gold in all five of her events—Darts Singles, Darts Triple Mixed, Javelin, Shot Put, and Discus. Her extraordinary achievements earned her the title of Best Female Athlete in the Heart/Lung category.
Throughout the week, our team held numerous discussions with key stakeholders, participants, and even recorded several interviews. We captured the energy and excitement of the Championships in a series of videos, which are available for viewing on our Instagram and Facebook pages. These videos provide a glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of the event and our preparations for the World Transplant Games 2025. More of them to come!
The week was not only about sports competitions but also about celebrating the transplant community through events like the Opening Ceremony, Cultural Evening, and Closing Ceremony. These gatherings showcased the unity and resilience of the transplant community, leaving us even more inspired as we look forward to August 2025.
As we reflect on the memorable days spent in Lisbon, our excitement for the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden has only grown. We eagerly anticipate welcoming many of the athletes we met in Lisbon to Dresden next year for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable celebration of life, health, and sport.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us on social media as we continue our journey toward the World Transplant Games 2025!
Text & Photos: CitySportMarketing
