NEWS ARTICLE

Survey Results Show Exceptional Praise for 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden — Full Rankings, Event Feedback, and Participant Insights Released

The World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) has released the full results of its 2025 World Transplant Games post-event survey, revealing exceptionally high satisfaction across all major areas of the Games. With 633 respondents from 44 countries, the survey provides one of the most comprehensive insights ever collected for a WTGF event — reflecting both the strengths of the Dresden Games and clear guidance for future enhancements.

🌍 OVERALL SATISFACTION REMAINS HIGH

Participants awarded the Games an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with:

• 46.3% rating the Games “Excellent”
• 39.5% rating them “Very Good”
• 85.8% awarding a top-tier rating (4 or 5)

Athletes praised the warmth of the host city, extraordinary volunteer support, and the unity that marked the Games.

“It was unforgettable.”
“Best Games ever.”
“Thank you for these magic, professional and unforgettable Games.”

🏅 FULL SPORT-BY-SPORT RANKINGS

Seventeen sports were rated in the survey. Most received high satisfaction scores, reflecting strong operational delivery.

🥇 Top-Rated Sports (Above 4.1 stars)

Swimming, the highest-rated sport, was praised for its efficient scheduling, strong officiating, and uplifting atmosphere. Road Race and Cycling similarly received praise for course design, safety, and crowd support.

⚖️ Mid-Ranking Sports (3.7–3.9)

Feedback noted improvements needed around ventilation, court spacing, and communication of schedule changes.

🔧 Lower-Rated Sports (Below 3.7)

Frequent improvement themes included:

• Refereeing consistency (Football, Tennis)
• Venue suitability (Petanque surface, Tennis court types, Darts layout)
• Technical issues (Bowling lanes, golf cart allocation and type in Golf)
• Visibility and crowding (Darts)
• Rules clarity and delays (Golf)

Golf, the lowest-rated sport, received comments referencing course suitability, incorrect golf carts, unclear rules, and long delays.

Overall What Worked Well

Across most sports, participants repeatedly praised:

• Organisation of events(especially Swimming, Cycling, Table Tennis)
• Friendly, helpful volunteers
• Well-run competitions that stayed on schedule
• Professional venues and officiating (in several sports)
• A strong sense of community, spirit, and fairnessin most events

What Didn’t Work / Main Complaints

The most frequent issues mentioned across sports were:

• Scheduling overlaps– multiple events occurring too close together, forcing athletes to choose or rush between them.
• Lack of shade / heat management– especially in outdoor events (Petanque, Athletics Track and Field).
• Rule clarity issues– especially around Darts, Tenpin Bowling, Race Walk/Power Walk, and Golf.
• Technical delays / timing system problemsfor some events.
• Transport of equipment(bikes, golf clubs) came up as a logistical frustration for some athletes.

➕ ADDITIONAL SPORTS PARTICIPANTS WANT IN FUTURE GAMES

Participants suggested expanding the sports programme with:

• Padel (most frequent request)
• Pickleball
• Lawn Bowls
• Walking Football (low-impact, inclusive)
• Chess (precision/mental sport)
• More sports for Donor Families and Living Donors

These options reflect growing global trends and a desire for more physically inclusive formats.

“I would absolutely love more events for donors.”

💚 ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS: THE HEART OF THE GAMES

Athletes described the Games as a transformative platform for organ donation awareness.

“A celebration of the gift of life.”
“The greatest advocacy tool we have.”

Survey respondents said that donor families, living donors, and recipients created a profound emotional environment — raising awareness among participants, Dresden residents, and international viewers.

Suggested enhancements for future Games included:

• Increased donor storytelling
• More visible recognition during ceremonies
• Public advocacy booths
• Greater media amplification
• Educational signage around venues

The Games remain a global beacon of hope, gratitude, and life-saving advocacy.

🎉 OPENING CEREMONY: INSPIRING AND EMOTIONAL

The Opening Ceremony was widely praised for its production quality and deeply moving donor tributes.

Highlights included:

• Strong artistic performances
• Emotional donor recognition
• A powerful sense of unity

Areas for improvement:

• Long entry queues
• Seating challenges for participants with mobility needs
• Occasional audio clarity issues

“Emotional and powerful… but tough for those with disabilities to navigate.”

✨ INTERFAITH & RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

The Interfaith Ceremony was regarded as a quiet highlight of the week.

Participants described it as:

• “Beautiful and respectful”
• “A peaceful moment to honour donors”
• “Spiritually grounding and inclusive”

Suggestions for future Games:

• Larger venue
• Clearer promotion
• More donor family participation
• Optional outdoor contemplative spaces

🎭 CULTURAL PROGRAMME & CITY EXPERIENCE

Strong praise was given to Dresden’s cultural offering:

• Historic and walkable city
• Safe, welcoming environment
• Excellent tours and concerts
• A well-received cultural evening

Areas for improvement:

• Clearer directions for events
• Additional accessibility support for venues outside the city centre

🏆 CLOSING CEREMONY: A JOYOUS FINALE

Participants enjoyed the celebratory, well-paced programme, though some requested:

• More entertainment segments
• Expanded recognition for donors and long-time participants

🍽️ MEALS & CATERING: MIXED BUT IMPROVING

Positive feedback:

• Good portion sizes
• Adequate variety
• Accommodation of dietary needs
• Loved having meals together as a community

Suggested improvements:

• Greater consistency
• More protein options
• Shorter queues
• Better temperature control
• Breakfast timing suitable for early athletes

“Please include breakfast with registration — transplant athletes cannot eat too late.”

🏥 MEDICAL & HEALTH SERVICES EXPERIENCE

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the medical teams.

Positive comments:

• Visible and supportive staff
• Reliable first aid
• Athletes felt safe and well monitored

Areas for improvement:

• More medical staff in congested venues
• Increased AED visibility
• Enhanced mobility support for some venues

💻 DIGITAL & COMMUNICATION IMPROVEMENTS

The overall feeling was a great digital presence with emotional and inspiring moments being captured throughout.  For improvements, many respondents requested:

• Better real-time results system
• Push notifications for schedule or venue changes
• Greater clarity in maps and venue navigation
• Improved transport updates

These improvements would help athletes and supporters follow events more easily.

👥 WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY?

First-Time vs Returning Participants

• 44% first-time attendees
• 56% returning participants

Age Distribution

• 50–59 years (27%)
• 60–69 years (25%)
• 40–49 years (22%)

💶 ECONOMIC IMPACT & PARTICIPANT SPEND

Beyond registration and flights, participants reported significant additional spending.

Most common ranges:

• €310–500 (largest group)
• €101–300
• €501–750
• €751–1000
• Many spent over €1,500, often with accompanying guests

This reflects strong economic benefits for future host cities.

🌟 VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST PRAISE

Across hundreds of comments, volunteers were consistently celebrated:

“Outstanding.”
“The heart of the Games.”
“Friendly, supportive, and always willing to help.”

Their professionalism played a central role in positive sport rankings.

📝 GENERAL IMPROVEMENT THEMES IDENTIFIED

Event-wide suggestions included:

• Greater clarity in schedule changes
• Better venue signage and maps
• Improved transport coordination
• More shade and seating in outdoor venues
• A possible mid-week rest day for athletes
• Consolidated accommodation zones for teams

Sport-specific needs:

• Refereeing consistency
• Venue suitability
• Clear communication of rules
• Reduced waiting times
• Enhanced accessibility

🌈 FINAL POSITIVE REFLECTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS

As the survey responses made clear, the 2025 World Transplant Games left a lasting impression on athletes, supporters, donors, and families from around the world. Many participants chose to end their feedback with heartfelt messages of gratitude, joy, and hope. Among them:

“These Games were truly magical — a professional and unforgettable experience.”
“We loved every minute and would come again without hesitation.”
“Best Games ever. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to celebrate life.”
“The atmosphere was incredible — filled with kindness, courage, and community.”
“A wonderful experience that reminded me how lucky I am to be alive.”
“It was inspiring to see donor families honoured so beautifully.”
“Thank you for all the work put into organising such a meaningful event.”
“The Games were amazing — something we never imagined we could be part of.”
“We leave with memories that will last a lifetime.”

These final reflections underscore the profound emotional impact of the Games — affirming their role not only as a sporting celebration, but as a global movement dedicated to honouring donors, inspiring hope, and showcasing the extraordinary potential of life after transplantation.

🏁 CONCLUSION

The 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden received outstanding feedback from participants, with high sport ratings, exceptional volunteer engagement, and powerful donor recognition throughout the event. Clear insights from the survey offer practical pathways for continued improvement — particularly around cost, communication, accessibility, and the delivery of select sports.

Above all, the survey highlights that the Games remain a uniquely impactful global platform for uniting transplant recipients, donors, and families, while advancing awareness of organ donation and celebrating the gift of life.

Congratulations, Dresden, Germany on an exceptional World Transplant Games