2026 Virtus European Summer Games Officially Open in Bydgoszcz, Poland

The 2026 Virtus European Summer Games kicked off on the 5th of July in the beautiful city of Bydgoszcz, Poland, marking the beginning of a week of elite competition and celebration for athletes with an intellectual impairment from across Europe and beyond.

More than 600 participants from 22 countries Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and Poland, have gathered in Bydgoszcz for the Games, including athletes, coaches, officials and representatives of the Virtus movement. The Opening Ceremony provided a fitting welcome to all delegations, celebrating friendship, inclusion and the unifying power of sport.

Athletes will be competing across eight sports: Athletics, Swimming, Handball, Basketball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Road Cycling and Indoor Rowing.

The ceremony was attended by the Governing Board of Virtus and Virtus Europe, the Local Organising Committee, invited guests, and national and local government representatives.

The event was further honoured by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism of Poland and the Mayor of Bydgoszcz, the Host City of the Games.

Fausto Pereira, President of Virtus Europe, declared the Games open, welcomed the athletes and wished them success as they prepare to compete over the coming days.

Multiple-time Paralympic and Virtus Champion, Karolina Kucharczyk-Urbańska, took the Oath on behalf of all the athletes. Her pledge symbolised every athlete’s commitment to compete with honesty, respect and fair play throughout the Games.

The Opening Ceremony celebrated the strength of the international Virtus community and recognised the dedication and achievements of athletes with an intellectual impairment. It also highlighted the important role of sport in creating opportunities, building friendships and inspiring communities across Europe.

With the Games now officially underway, Bydgoszcz is set to host an exciting week of competition as Europe’s best athletes showcase their talent, determination and sporting excellence on the international stage.