in the 5th European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Würzburg

It is simply marvellous that there are these European Championships of Transplants and People Requiring Dialysis and that this year’s 5th Championships take place in Würzburg, Germany.
I wish to extend a warm welcome to all participants as well as to all those who have helped to make these competitions possible - my sincere thanks go to the creative minds and organisers, to the donors and sponsors and to all those many volunteers without whom there wouldn’t be these competitions.

I am with you in spirit since it was more than four years ago, when I was an 81-year-old woman, that I received the kidneys of another 81-year-old woman. This transplant was so successful that I have been healthy enough again ever since to continue – without any time constraints - my volunteer work, especially for single mothers and gainfully employed women. That is why I find it so important that these competitions, too, raise the public’s awareness of how capable and committed transplants and people requiring dialysis are in the field of sport as well, which even includes competing at the highest possible level.

It is my fervent wish that all participants will experience these days in Würzburg with joy: the joy of being together with others, the joy of sport, the joy of success. And that success does not require finishing first. Just taking part in these competitions is a great personal success as it is.

On this note: Congratulations to everybody! Enjoy your days in Würzburg!

Helga Stödter
Attorney-at-Law