When the Virtus Academy was launched in 2021, it marked a new chapter in Virtus’ history. For the first time, research, education, training and knowledge relating to sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment were brought together through one global platform. 

The Academy was created to strengthen the scientific evidence behind decision-making and strategy, support coaches and volunteers through education and training, and make valuable knowledge and resources accessible to the wider Virtus community. 

Today, it has become an important part of the Virtus movement, connecting research, education and elite sport to help shape the future of opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments. 

A Global Hub for Knowledge 

The Academy is built around three key pillars: 

• Virtus Academy Library  – including high-quality academic research and publications, and sport-specific coaching and other resources supporting the development of sport. 

• E-Learning – collecting a range of digital training courses, webinars and toolkits,  based on recent research in sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment to support coaches, officials and administrators. 

• Eligibility and Classification Zone – training and guidance for psychologists, and support for International Federations developing classification systems and training classifiers. 

The Academy website launched alongside the initiative, including the RAID database, a searchable collection of existing guides and research. Since then, it has continued to grow through eLearning courses, webinars, toolkits, training and new resources. 

Virtus Academy manager, Dr Debbie Van Biesen, highlighted the Academy’s ambition to bring together existing expertise while growing the evidence base so that Virtus’ work is guided by science and the latest available evidence. 

Research Driving Change 

Research has remained at the heart of Virtus Academy and, in many ways, its foundations were shaped through Virtus’ involvement in the Erasmus + IDEAL research programmes. 

In 2017, Virtus joined the Erasmus+ funded IDEAL (Inclusive and Equitable Sport for People with Autism and Intellectual Disability) project, coordinated by KU Leuven and delivered through a European consortium of researchers, sport organisations and disability experts. Built around five principles, Include, Develop, Educate, Activate and Lead, the project sought to improve access to sport and physical activity for young people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. 

The project produced a range of practical resources for coaches, support staff and sport organisations, while also establishing a strong European network of researchers and practitioners dedicated to advancing inclusive sport. Virtus played a central role in translating research into practice through the development and dissemination of educational resources and by promoting the achievements of athletes with intellectual impairments. 

Building on its success, the consortium secured a second major Erasmus+ grant for IDEAL 2.0, launched in 2022 and again coordinated by KU Leuven. The project responded to emerging challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on creating more equitable opportunities for participation, developing evidence-based coach education, addressing barriers to physical activity, and fostering leadership and employability skills through sport.  Recognising that sport can be a powerful vehicle for personal development, IDEAL 2.0 supported young people with intellectual disabilities and autism to develop confidence, communication and self-determination skills that are valuable both within and beyond the sporting arena, including for athletes progressing through elite sport pathways. 

Together, the two IDEAL projects attracted substantial European funding and generated a lasting legacy that extends far beyond their original objectives. They strengthened international collaborations, expanded the evidence base for inclusive sport, created educational resources that continue to support coaches and organisations worldwide, and helped lay the foundations for the creation and growth of the Virtus Academy as a global hub for research, education and knowledge exchange. 

A Partnership with KU Leuven 

The Academy’s work has been strengthened by its longstanding collaboration with KU Leuven, Belgium, including the IDEAL 1.0 and IDEAL 2.0 projects and research into evidence-based classification. 

In March 2026, Virtus and KU Leuven announced a renewed collaboration aimed at advancing inclusive, equitable and credible research in Para sport. Together, the organisations function as a hub for promoting research in this field and connecting an international network of scholars. Through this network, emerging researchers complete Masters and Doctoral projects on topics related to sport and intellectual impairments, strengthening both the evidence base and the longterm capacity of the field. In doing so, the collaboration supports the development of a sustainable workforce equipped to contribute as researchers, classifiers and coaches into the future.   

This partnership and the collaborations it forges connect high-quality academic research producing significant impacts to address the practical needs of athletes, coaches, classifiers and sport organisations while also contributing to wider clinical and societal knowledge. 

Strengthening Classification for the Future 

In 2026, Virtus in collaboration with academic partners and International Sports Federations, reached another major milestone after receiving two IPC Sport for Mobility Classification Research Grants in a highly competitive process where only 6 out of over 60 applications were funded.  

The first, Revalidation and extension of the Generic Sports Intelligence Test (GSIT), is being delivered with KU Leuven to improve the functionality, reliability and validity of the revised GSIT and extend its use across more sports in collaboration with multiple International Federations. The GSIT is used to make sure the athlete meets the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) as part of the IPC-governed classification procedure used by International Federations.   

The second, X-Pace: Pacing as a key cognitive determinant of performance in cross-country skiing, is being conducted with Mid Sweden University. It examines cognitive factors such as planning, anticipation and real-time adaptation in cross-country skiing, and will complete the development a sport-specific, evidence-based II classification system for this sport. 

Together, these projects support Virtus’ priority of strengthening the quality, credibility and scientific rigour of Paralympic classification. The research supports established Paralympic pathway sports including athletics, swimming and table tennis, while also helping International Federations who are opening up new pathways for athletes with intellectual impairments to implement a classification system not only compliant with the IPC Classification Code but delivers best practice classification.  

Building the Future 

The Virtus Academy is more than a research platform. It connects science, education, sport and people, ensuring knowledge can reach athletes, coaches, researchers, classifiers, volunteers and international sport organisations. 

As Virtus celebrates 40 years, the Academy represents an important part of its modern legacy. In just five years, it has grown from an online launch into a global platform for research, education and training, helping turn scientific knowledge into greater sporting opportunity. 

From its first resources and research projects to international academic partnerships, attracting significant funding and major classification initiatives, the Academy is helping build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive future for athletes with intellectual impairments. 

Visit the Virtus Academy website, where you can access these resources and become part of this community: https://thevirtusacademy.com/ 

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986 

For four decades, football has brought people together through teamwork, passion and the shared pursuit of excellence. Within Virtus, it has become one of the organisation’s key team sports, providing athletes with an intellectual disability opportunities to compete, develop and represent their countries on the international stage.

The Virtus football and futsal programme encompasses both outdoor football and indoor futsal, offering athletes different formats and competitive environments while preserving the core values of the game. Football provides the traditional 11-a-side format, while futsal offers a faster-paced game played with smaller teams in an indoor setting.

Virtus manages the international eligibility of athletes and delivers world and regional competitions, including championships and tournaments. The sport is overseen by the Virtus Football and Futsal Committee, while athletes interested in competing internationally are encouraged to contact their National Federation about selection, training and competition opportunities.

As futsal has developed within the Virtus programme, its fast pace, smaller teams and indoor environment have added another pathway into international competition. Together, football and futsal continue to expand opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment and strengthen the role of team sport within the Virtus movement.

Growing an International Competition Pathway

Football has been part of the Virtus sports programme since its early development. It featured in the World Games for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability and, in either outdoor or indoor format, has remained part of almost every edition of the Global Games, held every four years. Over the years, these competitions have provided a platform for athletes to compete internationally, represent their nations and experience the unique sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team.

Both football and futsal are conducted in accordance with FIFA rules, with adaptations applied where necessary to support athletes with an intellectual impairment. These adaptations help create fair and inclusive competition while maintaining the integrity of the sport.

To date, the programme has delivered 7 World competitions and 5 Regional European competitions, giving athletes opportunities to progress from regional competition to the world stage.

Football and futsal have also remained an important part of the Global Games programme, helping maintain a regular international pathway while bringing together athletes and teams from across the Virtus movement.

Japan, France, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Poland are some of the teams that have been among the top teams in Futsal/Football.

As participation continues to develop, Virtus is focused on strengthening competition opportunities and creating a sustainable international pathway for athletes in both formats.

For athletes, football and futsal offer far more than competition. Being part of a team can build confidence, communication, friendships and a strong sense of belonging, while international competition provides opportunities to represent a country and connect with athletes from around the world.

The programme also reflects the wider development of Virtus sport – creating opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment to compete in established sporting environments while ensuring that inclusion remains at the centre of the experience.

Looking Ahead

As Virtus celebrates 40 years, football and futsal remain important parts of its sporting story. From the early World Games to today’s world and regional competitions, the programmes have continued to provide athletes with opportunities to compete, grow and share their passion for the game.

This journey has been made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, member organisations and the Virtus Football and Futsal Committee, whose commitment continues to develop the sport.

With football and futsal continuing to grow within the Virtus movement, the goal remains clear: more opportunities, more international competition and more athletes able to experience the power of sport and teamwork.

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

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

Equestrian stands as one of the organisation’s newest and most innovative sports. Since joining the Virtus programme in 2016, it has created international opportunities for riders with an intellectual disability to compete in one of the world’s most technical and demanding disciplines.

Built on precision, trust and communication between rider and horse, equestrian is a unique sport that combines technical excellence with a deep partnership.

Athletes with intellectual disability were once included in the Grade 3 para-equestrian competition at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, but opportunities became limited in the years that followed. Determined to rebuild those pathways, Virtus partnered with the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) in 2015 to establish a new international structure for riders with an intellectual impairment.

Growing International Competitions Through Accessibility

One of the biggest challenges in equestrian is the investment in the right horse as well as the complexity and cost of transporting horses across international borders. To overcome these barriers and make the sport accessible to more nations, Virtus introduced the innovative Para Equestrian Video Competition.

Launched in 2017, the competition enabled riders to compete internationally by submitting official competition videos under strict technical and judging regulations, allowing athletes to perform in familiar environments with their own horses.

In 2020, Virtus continued to expand the programme, introducing the II2 and II3 eligibility groups, with II3 initially included as a demonstration class.

The next major milestone came in 2023, when the Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France, hosted the first-ever live Virtus para-dressage competition. After years of online competition, riders from Spain, Australia, Great Britain, the USA, Egypt, Germany, Chinese Taipei and France came together to compete in person on the world stage.

The 2023 Games also marked the introduction of the II3 class for athletes with autism as a full medal event, building on the earlier demonstration class and further expanding opportunities within Virtus Equestrian.

Among the standout competitors was Sonia Villalba (ESP), a Paralympian in Sydney 2000 and three-time II1 online para-dressage champion whose career highlights the connection between Virtus Equestrian and the wider Paralympic movement.

She was joined by leading II1 riders including Maria Sanchez Lopez (ESP), Laurie Decoustre (FRA), Georgina Maton (GBR), Andrew Driffield (AUS), Sarah Sherwood (AUS), Christopher Bradley (GBR) and many others.

The II2 and II3 classes have also continued to produce outstanding competitors. In the II2 category, Alejandro Espejo (ESP) and Sui Watts (AUS) have raised the standard of competition, while Louis Malaussenna (FRA) are among those making their mark in the II3 category.

Between 2017 and 2026, Virtus successfully organised 10 competitions for athletes to take part in the Para Equestrian Video Competition alongside three live international competitions. Together, these formats have created opportunities for riders who may otherwise never have had access to international competition.

The number of riders has grown substantially during this time, especially in Australia and Great Britain, where the Virtus riders also have the chance to compete in live competitions on a national level. Great Britain has seen the addition of many talented riders, especially in the II-3 category. During the World Championships at Sparsholt College in Winchester, UK, Portugal joined the participating nations as well.

The video competition model has not only expanded participation and improved standards, but has also demonstrated how innovation can remove barriers and make international sport more accessible and inclusive.

Looking Ahead

Virtus Equestrian is about more than medals. From pioneering video-based competition to bringing riders together for live international events, the programme has shown how innovation and collaboration can remove barriers and create new opportunities.

As Virtus celebrates 40 years, equestrian stands among its remarkable success stories. In less than a decade, it has grown from an emerging concept into an internationally recognised discipline with World Championship-level competition, continental events and live Global Games competition.

This journey has been made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, member organisations, HETI and the Virtus Equestrian Committee. Together, they continue to demonstrate that riders with intellectual impairments belong in the international equestrian community.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Equestrian 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

One month ago, on 25 July, the Virtus family, organisations and supporters from around the world came together to celebrate the second World Intellectual Disability Day – and the message has never been stronger.

Launched by Virtus in 2025, World Intellectual Disability Day is growing into a global platform for visibility, inclusion and belonging. It brings people together to recognise and celebrate the voices, achievements, talents and contributions of people with an intellectual disability, while challenging the stereotypes and barriers that too often surround them.

This year’s theme, “This is Me – This is Us,” placed people with an intellectual disability at the heart of the celebration. It encouraged individuals to share their stories, celebrate their achievements and show the world who they are, while also recognising the important role of families, friends, teams and communities in creating a sense of belonging.

The response from around the world was powerful. Virtus members, the International Paralympic Committee, Asian, European and American Paralympic Committees, the World Karate Federation, and many other organisations joined the celebration, demonstrating the growing global commitment to greater visibility and inclusion for people with an intellectual disability.

The campaign also generated significant engagement across digital platforms:

1.45 million views
130,900 content interactions
10,900 people reached

But the true impact of the day goes beyond the numbers. It was reflected in the stories shared, the voices amplified, the perceptions challenged, and the connections created across countries and communities.

The celebration was particularly meaningful for Virtus as we mark 40 years of championing excellence and inclusion through sport.

For four decades, athletes with an intellectual disability have challenged perceptions, broken barriers and inspired the world through their determination, strength, resilience and passion. Their journeys have helped shape the Virtus movement and demonstrate the power of sport to create opportunities, change perceptions and bring people together.

This 40-year legacy provides a strong foundation for the future of World Intellectual Disability Day. What began as a single day of celebration is becoming a growing global platform where people with an intellectual disability can be seen, heard, respected and celebrated.

Building the Future

The success of this year’s celebration is not an endpoint – it is a starting point for what comes next.

As the movement grows, Virtus aims to bring more people with an intellectual disability to the centre of the conversation, create more opportunities for them to share their own stories, and welcome more organisations and communities to take part.

In the years ahead, we envision World Intellectual Disability Day becoming a movement that reaches far beyond sport, bringing together communities, governments, organisations, schools, workplaces and the wider public around a shared commitment to inclusion, visibility and belonging.

Most importantly, the future of World Intellectual Disability Day belongs to the people it celebrates. Their voices, ideas, experiences and ambitions will continue to shape what this day becomes and where the movement goes next.

From one day of celebration to a year-round movement for change, the journey has only just begun.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986