Virtus Skiing: A Legacy built on Snow and a Future on the Paralympic Stage 

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For 40 years, Virtus has created opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability to compete, excel and belong. Among its most inspiring success stories is skiing – one of the most popular winter sports and a discipline that combines endurance, courage, technical skill and determination against some of the world’s most demanding environments. 

The Virtus Skiing programme includes both Alpine and Nordic disciplines, offering athletes opportunities to compete in Nordic sprint, middle-distance, long-distance and relay races, alongside Alpine events including Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G, Alpine Combined and Team Parallel Slalom. Together, these disciplines provide a complete winter sports pathway for athletes with an intellectual disability around the world. 

Virtus Skiing follows the rules of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, ensuring competition environments that meet international standards. The sport is managed by the Virtus Skiing Committee, with Virtus overseeing the eligibility of all athletes wishing to compete internationally. 

A Growing International Competition Pathway 

Over the past two decades, Virtus has continued to strengthen the international competition calendar for skiing, creating opportunities for athletes to compete at both regional and world level. 

A significant milestone came in 2000, when athletes with an intellectual impairment competed as an official event at the IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. This demonstrated the growing recognition of the sport at the highest international level and built on the momentum created by its inclusion at the Tignes 1992 Winter Paralympic Games.

Since the first Virtus World Skiing Championships were held in Sweden in 2003, Virtus has hosted 15 World Championships across Alpine and Nordic disciplines, reflecting the programme’s steady growth and increasing global reach. The competition calendar expanded further in 2024 with the inaugural Virtus European Winter Games in Zakopane, Poland, where skiing featured alongside indoor rowing, futsal and 3×3 basketball. 

To further align the programme with international best practice, Alpine and Nordic Skiing have been organised as separate World Championships since 2025, mirroring the competition structure of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). In addition, since 2026, Nordic competitions have been conducted under the FIS Para Cross-Country Rules Book, further strengthening the connection between Virtus and the wider winter sports movement.

Over the years, Virtus Skiing has produced some outstanding skiers who are making big names for themselves. In II1 category, Irina Huber (RUS), Selznick Amelia (USA), Ivan Volegov (RUS), Titouan Dubois (FRA), Manon Petitnicolas (FRA), Melanie De Bona (FRA), Aoshi Kanazawa (JPN) and Filipp Améen (SWE), are some of the star athletes from the snow slopes.

Following extensive research and development, the II2 class for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments became a full medal event at the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, followed by the introduction of the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

In the II2 category, Clement Colomby (FRA), Tobia Maria Kostenr (ITA), Mattia Oltolina (ITA), Schlömmer Stephanie (AUT), Westerstrahle Bea-Anna (FIN), Wiercioch Antoni (POL) and Friedl Anna-Sophie (AUT), and in II3, Clement Richard (FRA), Georgia Yuen (AUS), Haleigh Bates (USA), Axel Brigdal (FRA) and Murat Bingul Muhsin (TUR) have become some of the leading names.

The Journey Towards Paralympic Re-Inclusion 

Virtus Skiing reached an important milestone in 1992, when Alpine Skiing and cross-country for athletes with an intellectual disability were included at the Tignes Winter Paralympic Games as a demonstration event. Six years later, at the Nagano 1998 Paralympic Winter Games, Nordic skiing events were added to the programme, including the Men’s 20km Classical Technique, Women’s 15km Classical Technique, and the Men’s and Women’s 5km Classical and Free Technique events. 

However, the dishonest actions of a small number of people at Sydney 2000 had a devastating impact on all athletes with an intellectual impairment for many years to follow. While athletes with an intellectual impairment returned to the Paralympic stage at London 2012 in swimming, athletics and table tennis, they are still waiting for their return to the Winter Paralympic Games. Virtus has remained committed to changing that reality and is running a Winter Paralympic Re-Inclusion campaign to facilitate the change.  

Working alongside the International Paralympic Committee Classification Research Centre at KU Leuven, Belgium, Virtus completed the development of a dedicated sports classification system for Nordic skiing in 2018. Combined with growing World Championship participation and increasing depth of competition, this work has significantly strengthened the case for the return of Nordic skiing to the Winter Paralympic programme. 

A landmark moment came in 2025, when Virtus and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote greater inclusion in winter sports. 

The agreement established a pathway for closer technical cooperation and aims to support the inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability in Alpine and Cross-Country skiing at the highest levels of competition, including the Winter Paralympic Games, potentially as early as 2030.  

Momentum continued to grow when leading French officials, including Marie-Amélie Le Fur, President of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, together with regional leaders Fabrice Pannekoucke and Sandrine Chaix, President and Vice-President of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Virtus leaders, launched a powerful call for inclusion of athletes with an intellectual Impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympics. Their support has given renewed hope to the Virtus community that the collective efforts of Virtus, FIS, the International Paralympic Committee and national partners can finally deliver the recognition and opportunities these athletes deserve. A statement for the reintegration of athletes with intellectual impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games has been started by French officials, and we urge all interested parties to sign the statement. 

Looking Ahead 

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, skiing continues to grow in participation, quality and international recognition. The expansion of the competition calendar, the success of the World Championships, the launch of the European Winter Games and the landmark partnership with FIS all point towards an exciting future for athletes with anintellectual disability in winter sport. 

More importantly, momentum continues to build towards the return of athletes with an intellectual impairment to the Winter Paralympic Games. Through ongoing collaboration with FIS, the International Paralympic Committee and national partners, Virtus remains committed to creating a pathway for inclusion and ensuring athletes have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest winter sports stage. 

This journey has only been possible through the dedication of the Virtus Skiing Committee, athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and member organisations who have worked tirelessly to develop the programme over many years. 

From the slopes of Tignes to the trails of Kazakhstan, Virtus Skiing has built a legacy of determination, resilience and opportunity. Forty years on, that legacy continues to grow with every race started, every gate passed and every finish line crossed. 

If you know someone with an intellectual disability and/with autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Skiing programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition and the future of winter Paralympic sport. 

Virtus At 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986 

From New Beginnings to Global Competition – The Story of Virtus Judo

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As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, the growth of judo reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes with intellectual disability across new and evolving sports.  

Although officially added to the Virtus programme in 2020, the foundations of Virtus Judo were built years earlier through international collaboration, athlete advocacy and a shared vision for greater inclusion within one of the world’s most widely practised martial arts.    

The Growth of Virtus Judo internationally 

For athletes with an intellectual disability, structured international judo opportunities began to emerge in 2017.  That year, the first World Championships for athletes with an intellectual disability were held in Cologne, Germany, with support from the International Judo Federation. This milestone was followed by the first European Championships in London in 2018, supported by the European Judo Union.  

These early events represented an important breakthrough in the recognition of athletes with an intellectual disability within the international judo community.  

A new common judo rulebook for athletes with an intellectual impairment was adopted in 2019, which was developed in collaboration with EJU, IJF and Virtus, ensuring athletes are prepared for all events. One year later, in 2020, judo officially became part of the Virtus sports programme – marking the beginning of a new era for inclusive judo. 

Following extensive research and development, the II2 class for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments became a full medal event at the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, followed by the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France. 

Virtus Judo reached historic milestone at the 2023 Virtus Global Games, in Vichy, France, where the sport made its official debut on the Global Games stage. The inclusion of judo at the Global Games represented a significant achievement for athletes, coaches and organisers who had worked to develop international pathways for the sport.  

Athletes from multiple nations competed in an environment that celebrated not only performance and competition, but also the values that define judo itself – respect, discipline and mutual understanding.   

Mae Yamazaki (JPN), Nikki McDermott (GBR), Joshuha Hodkinson (GBR), Liam Hudson (AUS), Liszcz Marcin (POL), Lesley Ijerman (NED) and Ifeanyi Oguejiofor (FRA) in II1 are some of the big names who are making waves around the world.

Victor Gdowczok (GER) and Marcin Liszcz (POL) in the II2 category and  Great Britain’s Idris Khan in the II3 category are some of the athletes who are leaving their mark in Virtus Judo history and international competition. 

Virtus has also sanctioned the 2026 Lausanne Grand Slam, Switzerland, the first inclusive Judo Grand Slam, which will be held from 28-30 August. Organised by the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the Swiss Judo Federation (SJV) in partnership with the European Judo Union (EJU), athletes with an intellectual impairment will also be able to compete in this event, rewriting the history of inclusive judo.

Looking Ahead    

In just a few years, Virtus Judo has evolved from an emerging concept into a recognised international discipline with world championships, continental events and Global Games competition.  

As Virtus celebrates 40 years of progress in inclusive sport, the continued growth of judo represents the organisation’s vision for the future – creating more pathways, more representation and more opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments to succeed at the highest level.  

This remarkable journey has only been possible through the dedication of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, member organisations and the Virtus Judo Committee, whose passion and commitment have shaped the programme over the past four decades.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Judo programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition – including the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027. 

Virtus Judo continues to prove that sport is not only about winning medals, but also about building confidence, respect and community across the world. 

Three Decades of Smashes, Speed and Inclusion – The Story of Virtus Table Tennis

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Table tennis is one of the world’s most widely played sports, demanding exceptional speed, concentration, coordination and tactical awareness. Within Virtus, it has become one of the organisation’s popular sports, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete at regional championships, World Championships and the Global Games.

Fast, highly technical and fiercely competitive, table tennis has played a vital role in expanding opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability across both the Virtus and Paralympic movements.

Growth and International Competitions

The first Virtus World Table Tennis Championship for athletes with an intellectual disability was held in Belgium in 1995. Since then, Virtus has hosted eight World Championships, alongside numerous regional championships and competitions at every edition of the Virtus Global Games, creating a strong international pathway for athletes with an intellectual disability.

One of the defining strengths of Virtus Table Tennis is that competitions are conducted under the rules and regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)., with no adapted rules for athletes with an intellectual disability. This reflects the high technical standard of the sport and ensures athletes compete within internationally recognised competition frameworks.

At Virtus events, athletes compete in Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Team competitions, showcasing both individual excellence and teamwork at the highest level.

Virtus manages the eligibility process for athletes with an intellectual impairment wishing to compete internationally, ensuring fair and credible competition pathways across both Virtus and Paralympic events.

A Paralympic Pathway 

Table tennis holds a unique place within the Paralympic Movement. Following its Paralympic debut at Sydney 2000, it became one of only a few sports currently open to athletes with an intellectual impairment, with II1 athletes competing internationally in Class 11.

The inclusion of Class 11 has created life-changing opportunities for athletes to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage while increasing the visibility and recognition of the wider Virtus movement.

The 2023 Virtus Global Games marked another historic milestone, serving as the qualification event for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games for II1 athletes. Acer Ebru (TUR) and Chen Po-Yen (TPE) secured their “golden ticket” to Paris by winning the II1 titles in Vichy.

Virtus continues to oversee the eligibility process for athletes with an intellectual impairment wishing to compete internationally, ensuring fair, credible and transparent competition pathways across both Virtus and Paralympic events.

Over the past four decades, Virtus Table Tennis has produced World champions, Paralympians and internationally respected athletes who have helped raise the profile of inclusive sport around the world.

 Wada Natsuki (JPN), Kim Gi Tae (KOR), Chen-Po Yen (TPE), Acer Ebru (TUR), Elena Prokofeva (RUS), Sam Von Einem (AUS), Florian Acker (BEL), Lucas Créange (FRA), Thiago Gomes (BRA), Wong Ting Ting (HKG), Peter Pálos (HUN), Léa Ferney (FRA), Kanami Furukawa (JPN), Natalia Kosmina (UKR) and NG Mui Wui (HKG) are some of the athletes who have shined on the Paralympic podium in the II1/Class 11 category.

Following extensive research and development, the II2 class for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments became a full medal event at the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, followed by the introduction of the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

Athletes including Rahma Khalid (II2), Joao Soldado Goncalves (II2), Jean Bachevillier (II2), Theo Clastres (II3), Thomas Sallier (II3) and Delhom Pierre (II3) have since become some of the leading names in II2 and II3 categories.

The sport’s growth mirrors the wider development of the Virtus movement itself – expanding opportunities, strengthening international participation and creating clear pathways for athletes to progress from national competitions to World Championships, the Global Games and the Paralympic stage.

From regional championships to the Paralympic Games, Virtus Table Tennis has become one of the strongest examples of high-performance inclusive sport.

Looking ahead

Beyond competition, table tennis helps athletes develop confidence, independence, discipline, leadership, emotional control and lifelong international friendships. Its fast-paced nature encourages concentration, quick decision-making and resilience, creating lasting benefits both on and off the table.

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, table tennis continues to grow as one of the organisation’s flagship sports. With eight World Championships already hosted and continued representation at the Paralympic Games, the future of Virtus Table Tennis has never looked stronger.

This remarkable journey has only been possible through the dedication of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, member organisations and the Virtus Table Tennis Committee, whose passion and commitment have shaped the programme over the past four decades.

Most importantly, the sport continues to demonstrate that athletes with an intellectual disability belong at the highest level of international competition – competing with skill, determination and pride while inspiring future generations around the world.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Table Tennis programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition – including the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027.

 Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

The Journey of Virtus Tennis: From Three Nations to the Grand Slam Stage

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As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, tennis stands as one of the organisation’s fastest-growing and most ambitious sports programmes.

From a small championship involving just three nations to an expanding international pathway supported by the World Tennis (International Tennis Federation (ITF), Virtus Tennis has evolved into a truly global programme creating new opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments around the world.

Tennis demands precision, speed, strategy and mental resilience. Within Virtus competitions, athletes compete across Singles, Doubles, Mixed doubles and Men’s and Women’s team events.

Virtus competitions are conducted according to World Tennis or ITF rules and regulations, ensuring athletes compete within internationally recognised standards.

A major part of the programme’s growth has been the development of a comprehensive World Rankings system, where athletes earn ranking points through Virtus competitions as well as endorsed national championships and Grand Slam events.

The Beginning of the International Journey

Virtus Tennis officially began its international championship journey in 2001 with the European Championship in the Czech Republic. Later in 2004, the first World Championships were held at Melbourne Park, Australia. At the time, participation was modest, with athletes from very few countries competing. Despite its small beginnings, the programme laid the foundation for what would become one of the most exciting areas of growth within Virtus Sport.

Since then, Virtus has organised eight World Championships, along with six European Championships. Over the years, World Championships have also been hosted in countries including the USA, Great Britain and France, reflecting the increasing international reach of the programme. Tennis has also been a part of every Global Games edition.

Virtus Tennis has produced some iconic athletes over the last three decades. Multiple-time World title winner Archie Graham (AUS), Kelly Wren (AUS), Dominic Iannotti (GBR), Eva Blanc (FRA), and Hanne Lavreysen (BEL) are some of the II1 athletes who are making waves around the world.

Following extensive research and development, the II2 class for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments became a full medal event at the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, followed by the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

In the II2 category, Timothy Gould (AUS), Emanuelle Bezzi (ITA), Hugo Beckmann (FRA) and in the II3 category, Hayden Ballard (AUS), Hunter Thompson (AUS), and Youen Segre (FRA) are some of the prominent players who have been leaving their mark in the Virtus Tennis program.

Virtus Tennis now includes around 100 athletes from fourteen competing nations. Efforts are now focused on encouraging greater female participation within the II2 and II3 categories.

Breaking New Ground with Grand Slam Events

One of the most historic developments in Virtus Tennis came in 2023 with the launch of the Virtus Australian Grand Slam event alongside the Australian Open and wheelchair tennis competitions.

Organised and fully funded by Tennis Australia and supported by Virtus members in Australia – Sport Inclusion Australia, the competition gave athletes with an intellectual disability the opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best mainstream and wheelchair players. Matches were livestreamed on the same national broadcasting platform as the Australian Open, providing unprecedented visibility for the Virtus Tennis Programme.

From 2024 onwards, the event expanded to full eight-player men’s and women’s draws in the II1 category, selected through Virtus World Rankings.

Looking ahead, another major milestone was achieved in 2026 with the introduction of a Virtus Grand Slam competition in Great Britain alongside the Nottingham Open, organised by the Lawn Tennis Association. For athletes, these events represent much more than competition.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to play alongside the best mainstream and wheelchair players in the world, giving them recognition and showcasing the opportunities the Virtus Tennis Programme offers,” Lesley Whitehead, Virtus Tennis director, shared.

Building the Future Through Partnership with ITF/World Tennis

In December 2025, Virtus and the ITF/World Tennis officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking another historic step forward for the programme.

The partnership aims to expand international participation, encourage more national tennis federations to support athletes with intellectual disability and develop stronger pathways for II1, II2 and II3 athletes worldwide.

The long-term vision is clear: To ultimately work towards inclusion in the Paralympics.

To support coaches and national programmes, a dedicated Virtus Coach Education Course was also launched in 2022 through the Virtus and ITF Academy platforms.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Tennis Programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition and the Virtus Global Games in Cairo 2027.

As Virtus celebrates four decades of inclusive sport, tennis has become a symbol of innovation, ambition and international growth. From three nations in 2004 to Grand Slam-level events and global partnerships today, Virtus Tennis continues to open new doors for athletes with intellectual impairments around the world.

Most importantly, the programme is proving that athletes with intellectual disability belong on some of the biggest stages in world tennis – competing with pride, talent and determination while inspiring the future generation of players globally.

II2 Eligibility Panel Members Sought

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Virtus is pleased to invite applications to join its II2 Eligibility Panel, with responsibility for reviewing and approving athlete applications in the II2 (athletes with intellectual disability and significant additional impairment) eligibility group.
Panel members are responsible for reviewing the medical information that is submitted for athletes applying for eligibility within this group. This includes evidence of Down syndrome or additional significant physical health impairments. Panel members should therefore be medical professionals with significant experience in working with people with intellectual disabilities.
The role is undertaken remotely and either on a voluntary or contractual basis (c. 3 hours per week but this is flexible).
To submit an expression of interest in the post, please use the online form giving details of your relevant experience and medical qualifications. Virtus will then contact you to discuss the role in more detail.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact eligibility@virtus.sport

Thirty five years of Teamwork, Passion and Inclusion: The Story of Virtus Basketball

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For more than 40 years, Virtus has created opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability to compete, excel and belong.  Basketball has been one of the organisation’s finest sports throughout this journey, growing into one of the largest and most successful programmes within the Virtus movement. 

Virtus competitions follow the rules of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), with a small number of adaptations to meet the needs of Virtus athletes while maintaining the integrity and excitement of the sport. 

Three Decades of International Competition 

The international journey of Virtus Basketball began in 1992, when Madrid hosted the first Global Games.  Seven years later, Poland welcomed the inaugural European Championships, laying the foundation for an international competition pathway that continues to grow today. 

Over the past three decades, Virtus has organised 18 major international championships, including 9 World Championships and 9 European Championships.  Hosted across Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America, these events have welcomed athletes from an ever-growing number of nations while continually raising the standard of international basketball. Basketball has also featured at every edition of the Global Games, making it one of the longest-standing and most popular sports in the Virtus programme. 

Today, Virtus Basketball is played in more than 50 member nations, bringing together athletes through teamwork, skill and determination. The programme offers both the traditional 5×5 format and the fast-paced 3×3 game, creating more opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete internationally. 

Basketball was also one of the first sports for athletes with an intellectual disability to feature at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, alongside athletics, swimming and table tennis.  Although the sport has not yet returned to the Paralympic programme, Virtus has continued to provide elite international competition through its own championships and the Virtus Global Games. 

A New Era: The Formation of the VIBF 

A major milestone in the sport’s history came with the establishment of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), providing basketball with its own dedicated international governing body in 2025. 

Today, the VIBF leads the development of basketball for athletes with an intellectual disability, overseeing international competitions, supporting member nations and creating new pathways for athletes around the world.  The organisation continues to promote both 5×5 and 3×3 basketball, with 3×3 playing an important role in expanding participation and creating more opportunities, particularly for women. 

The VIBF is supported by distinguished patrons, such as legendary Basketball Administrator Lorraine Landon OAM, former NBA coach Brett Brown, former French Olympic basketball player Emmeline Ndongue, Central Asia Basketball Association President Abay Alpamissov, whose expertise continues to strengthen the sport’s global development. 

Looking to the Future 

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, basketball continues to grow in participation, quality and international reach.  Regional Games across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Oceania, together with the Virtus Global Games, are providing more opportunities than ever before for athletes to compete on the world stage. 

This remarkable journey has been built through the dedication of the Virtus Basketball Committee, the VIBF, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and member organisations who have helped shape the programme over the past four decades. 

From the first World Championships in Greece to the courts of the Virtus Global Games, Virtus Basketball has become much more than a competition. It is a story of teamwork, inclusion and opportunity that continues to inspire new generations of athletes. 

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the VIBF Basketball programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition, including the 2026 VIBF 3×3 World Cup in Thailand and the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027.

 Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

Virtus Awarded IPC’s Sport for Mobility Grant for Classification Research

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Virtus is thrilled to announce that Virtus has been awarded IPC’s Sport for Mobility for Classification research on two projects. The first project has potential application across multiple sports, and the second specifically on cross-country skiing.

Revalidation and extension of the generic sports intelligence test (GSIT) for use with athletes with intellectual impairment

Virtus, the international sport federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, and KU Leuven have been awarded a grant for the revalidation and extension of the Generic Sports Intelligence Test (GSIT), a key component in the classification of athletes with intellectual impairment. A key objective is to improve the functionality, reliability and validity of the revised GSIT and extend its application to more sports for athletes with intellectual impairment.

X-Pace: Pacing as a key cognitive determinant of performance in cross-country skiing – towards an evidence-based classification system for athletes with intellectual impairment

Virtus, together with Mid Sweden University, will study pacing as a key cognitive determinant of performance in cross-country skiing. Success in endurance sports relies heavily on an effective pacing strategy, which depends on cognitive abilities such as planning, anticipation, and real-time adaptation, areas in which athletes with intellectual impairment may face challenges. The project aims to develop a cross-country skiing-specific evidence-based classification system for athletes with intellectual impairment.

Debbie Van Biesen, Virtus Academy Manager, said:

“Virtus is proud to receive this grant, which represents a significant milestone in advancing the science of classification for athletes with intellectual impairments. Through the Virtus Academy, we are leading two groundbreaking research projects in partnership with KU Leuven (Belgium) and Mid Sweden University, focused on validating generic classification measures across sports and developing sport-specific evidence for cross-country skiing.

“Strengthening the quality, credibility and scientific rigour of classification remains a strategic priority for Virtus. While our work continues to support existing Paralympic pathway sports such as athletics, swimming and table tennis, we are equally committed to developing robust evidence-based systems for emerging sports, including winter sports. By strengthening both existing and developing classification systems, we hope to create new opportunities for participation and competition, while supporting the continued growth and inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairments within the Paralympic Games.”

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has awarded grants totalling EUR 900,000 to six projects to carry out multi-disciplinary classification research as part of efforts to further enhance the integrity, credibility and fairness of Para sport competitions.

The grants, provided through the IPC’s Sport for Mobility programme and funded thanks to a grant from Toyota Mobility Foundation, have been awarded to projects that cover intellectual, physical and vision impairments classification and range in duration from 12 to 31 months.

Dr. Mike Peters PLY, IPC Chief Executive Officer, said: “As part of our commitment to advance classification systems and processes across the Paralympic Movement, we are delighted to award Classification Research Grants to six outstanding projects as part of our Sport for Mobility programme.

“The standard of applications received for these grants was exceptional. It has been fantastic to witness so many sport federations working hand-in-hand with academic institutions to strengthen the scientific base that supports decision-making processes in classification. Naturally, we are indebted to Toyota Mobility Foundation for their support of classification, which is the cornerstone of Para sport.”

Tea Cisic, IPC Classification Director, said: “Congratulations to the first-ever recipients of IPC Classification Research Grants under this framework, six tremendous projects that will further improve the scientific base behind Para sports’ classification systems across the different eligible impairments.

“We are pleased to see the growing interest in classification research, the spread of member organisations and scientific community applying for the grant as well as the competitiveness in respect to the quality of the research proposals. In addition to assessing the quality of the proposals, we were tasked with balancing it against our priorities and the funding available.”

The first call for applications for the IPC Classification Research Grants initiative closed in September 2025. It made grants of up to EUR 65,000, up to EUR 90,000, up to EUR 125,000, and up to EUR 250,000 available to International Federations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled and Recognised International Federations, in collaboration with the scientific community, to support the development and improvement of best practice and evidence-based classification systems in Para sports. Projects must be 12-36 months in length and be delivered before October 2028.

Read IPC’s announcement for the grant

Virtus launches new Anti-Doping Guides to support athletes and athlete support personnel

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Virtus is delighted to launch two new Anti-Doping Guides for athletes with an intellectual disability and Athlete Support Personnel as part of the 2026 Virtus Anti-Doping Awareness Program, reinforcing its commitment to protecting clean sport through accessible and inclusive education.

Developed specifically for athletes with an intellectual disability, the guides provide clear and practical information to help athletes, coaches, parents, team managers and support staff understand their anti-doping rights and responsibilities and make informed decisions to protect the integrity of sport.

Recognising that traditional anti-doping materials can often be difficult to understand for athletes with an intellectual disability, the guides have been designed using accessible communication principles, simple language and visual elements to make anti-doping education easier to understand and apply in practice.

“Anti-doping can be a complex subject, and we recognise that traditional educational materials are not always accessible for athletes with an intellectual disability. These new Guides provide practical and easy-to-understand information to help athletes and their support teams protect clean sport. We hope they will support a more informed sporting community and help more athletes access the knowledge they need to compete clean”, said Juliana Soares, Virtus Anti-doping manager.

The guides can be viewed and downloaded from the 2026 Virtus Anti-Doping Awareness Program page. They are currently available in English, French and Spanish, ensuring greater accessibility for members across the global Virtus community. Additional language versions can also be translated and made available upon request to support the needs of national member organisations and athletes around the world.

The publications were created through the collaborative efforts of the Virtus Anti-Doping Education Team, led by Juliana Soares, Virtus’ Anti-Doping Manager. The team consisted of anti-doping education volunteers Ruth Cidade and Adriana Nascimento de Souza, who contributed to the content of the guidebooks. Virtus Marketing and Communication manager, Mousumi Mazumdar, was also part of the team and contributed to the project’s inclusive communication and graphic design.

Commenting on the launch, Virtus President Robyn Smith OAM said:

“I want to call on all members of our family – athletes, coaches and support staff – to read these fantastic new guides and to help protect athletes with an intellectual disability. This is a very important part of our work where we have a strong track record – one that I am very proud of – but there is always more that we can do. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in writing and designing these new guides, and I look forward to seeing you all at a Virtus competition soon.“

The launch of the guides forms part of the third edition of the Virtus Anti-Doping Awareness Program, which continues to provide accessible and engaging education opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability and autism, as well as the wider support network that plays a vital role in protecting clean sport.

Virtus encourages all athletes and Athlete Support Personnel to download, read and share the guides within their organisations and teams as part of their ongoing commitment to competing clean and protecting the values of fair play.

As Virtus marks its 40th anniversary, these new Guides reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every athlete with an intellectual disability has access to the education and support needed to participate in clean sport with confidence. Virtus also extends its sincere thanks to the members of the Anti-Doping Education Team, whose dedication, expertise and commitment to inclusive communication have made these resources possible.

Virtus At 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

2026 Virtus European Summer Games Officially Open in Bydgoszcz, Poland

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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.

Forty Years of Making Waves – The Story of Virtus Swimming

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For more than 40 years, Virtus has built a global movement where athletes with an intellectual disability can compete, excel and belong. At the heart of this journey is swimming – one of the organisation’s most successful, recognisable and influential sports.

From its beginnings at the first World Games for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability in Härnösand, Sweden, in 1989 to today’s elite international championships and Paralympic success, Virtus Swimming has created opportunities for athletes around the world to perform at the highest level.

Swimming has been part of the Virtus movement since the inaugural World Games for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability in 1989. From the very beginning, it quickly became one of the most popular sports within the programme.

The widespread availability of swimming pools around the world helped the sport grow rapidly, allowing athletes from an increasing number of countries to train, compete and develop. Today, swimming remains one of the cornerstones of the Virtus movement.

A Growing International Competition Pathway

Over the past four decades, Virtus has established a strong international competition pathway for swimmers, from regional development opportunities through to elite world-level competition.

Virtus has organised eight World Swimming Championships, alongside numerous regional championships across Europe, Oceania-Asia and other regions. Swimming has also featured at every edition of the Virtus Global Games, providing athletes with regular opportunities to compete against the world’s best.

Virtus competitions are conducted under the World Para Swimming rules and regulations, ensuring high standards and strong alignment with the Paralympic competition pathway.

A major milestone came at the 2017 Virtus World Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where two new trial eligibility groups were introduced for athletes with Down syndrome and athletes with autism. Following extensive research and development, the II2 class for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments became a full medal event at the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, followed by the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.

These milestones marked a significant step forward in Virtus’ commitment to expanding inclusion and creating opportunities for a wider range of athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism. Since then, the II2 and II3 classes have continued to grow rapidly, producing world records, international champions and inspiring performances.

Swimming also became one of the first sports for athletes with an intellectual disability to feature at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, alongside athletics and basketball. Today, athletes continue to compete through the S14 classification, providing a clear pathway for II1 athletes from Virtus competition to the highest level of Paralympic sport.

Record-Breaking Athletes and Global Stars 

Over the years, many Virtus swimmers have gone on to become Paralympic champions, world record holders and global ambassadors for inclusive sport. 

Among those who have stood on the Paralympic podium are Great Britain’s Jessica-Jane Applegate, Bethany Firth, Reece Dunn and Poppy Maskill, Japan’s Naohide Yamaguchi, Denmark’s Alexander Hillhouse, Brazil’s Gabriel Bandeira, Débora Carneiro and Beatriz Carneiro, Australia’s Benjamin Hance, Canada’s Nicholas Bennett, Hong Kong China’s Yui Lam Chan, and Spain’s Michelle Alonso. Many have broken Virtus, Paralympic and World records while inspiring future generations of swimmers.

Virtus has also celebrated exceptional champions across the II2 and II3 competition classes. Athletes including Ayako Morishita (II2) of Japan, Minke Janse van Rensburg (II2) of South Africa, Spain’s Camino Martinez de la Riva (II2), Italy’s Mattia Tonono (II2) Kate Wallington (II3), Amie Holwill (II3) and Alexander Hejaij (II3) of Australia, Axel Parisot (II3) of France, Denmark’s Marius Danielson (II3) have broken world records, won multiple international titles and helped raise the standard of Virtus Swimming.

For many athletes, swimming represents far more than competition. It provides confidence, independence, structure and routine, while supporting mental wellbeing and creating opportunities for friendship, travel and international representation. For many athletes with autism and intellectual disabilities, the water also offers a calm and supportive environment, making swimming one of the most accessible and meaningful sports.

Looking Ahead 

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, swimming continues to stand among the organisation’s greatest success stories. From the first championships in 1989 to world records, international titles and Paralympic podiums, the sport has continued to grow in quality, participation and global reach.

This remarkable journey has only been possible through the dedication of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, member organisations and the Virtus Swimming Committee, whose passion and commitment have shaped the programme over the past four decades.

Forty years on, Virtus Swimming continues to inspire future generations to dream bigger, compete with confidence and believe they belong on the world stage. With every stroke, every record and every finish, the legacy of Virtus Swimming continues to grow.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Swimming programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition – including the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027.

 Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986