Join the Virtus family
Across the world there are more than a quarter of a billion people who live with an intellectual disability, Down syndrome or autism. Join the Virtus family as we make the world more inclusive through sport.
Since our formation in 1986, Virtus has grown from 14 National Member OIrganisations to more than 90 today, which together with our Regional Organisations, International Federation members and Affiliate Members make up the Virtus family.
The Virtus sport programme includes some 15 annual events across both summer and winter sports. More than 9000 athletes are registered to compete at an international level, whilst more than 500,000 people with an intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism worldwide have the opportunity to enjoy sport.
Membership Categories
National Member Organisations
National Member Organisations (NMO’s) are the driving force behind Virtus, leading the development of sport inclusion in their country. NMO’s are voting members of the organisation and have the right to enter national teams into competition – as with other International Federations there can only be one NMO per country.
NMO’s are the ‘recognised lead agency for sport for people with an intellectual impairment’ within a nation and might include impairment specific organisations, National Paralympic Committees or others – whatever their form they all share a commitment to making sport more inclusive for people with an intellectual impairment.
A list of NMO’s can be found on the Virtus website and organisations interested in becoming a member can contact us for further information.
International Federations
Virtus works in partnership with a number of International Sports Federations (IF’s) to grow and develop sport for people with an intellectual impairment. Some IF’s also choose to be members of Virtus and we are delighted to enjoy a close relationship with many global governing bodies of sport.
IF’s are voting members of Virtus and membership is restricted to the internationally recognised IF of a sport (defined by the IOC and IPC).
Virtus Regions
Virtus has 5 Regional Members covering:
- Americas
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- Oceania
Regional Organisations are voting members of Virtus and NMO’s are automatically members of their Regional Organisation.
Affiliate Members
Affiliate Membership is open to any organisations – local, national or international – that is committed to the pursuit and fulfilment of the Virtus mission.
Affiliates are non-voting members and their specific rights and obligations will be discussed on a case by case basis taking into account any existing NMO or IF members.
An annual fee is payable for each membership category (see fee schedule).
Discounts are offered to some National Member Organisations (NMO’s) according to World Bank definitions.
