Poleth Mandez and Guarin Samuel Shines At Para Athletics: Santiago 2023

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The Centro Atlético Mario Recordón stadium came alive as Para athletics events took center stage at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games.

Poleth Mandez and Padilla Grecely in action. Photo Credit: NPC Ecuador

In the F20 Women’s Shot-put, Virtus and Paralympic Champion, Poleth Mandez, threw her way to gold, displaying sheer dominance. Not only did she secure the top spot with throws of 13.81m, 13.84m, and 13.91m, but she also shattered her own Parapan Am record not once, but thrice. A phenomenal feat that left spectators in awe.

Padilla Grecely Eliany (ECU) and Vivenes Diana Carolina (DOM) claimed the silver and bronze. Vivenes won the second medal for Dominic Republic from the games, making her win a historical one.

(L-R) Guarin Samuel, Barber Michael Patrick and Rivera Carmelo. Photo Credit: NPC Colombia, NPC Canada and NPC Puerto Rico

The T20 Men’s 1500m was no less thrilling, with Guarin Samuel (COL), Michael Patrick Barber (CAN), Carmelo Rivera (PUR), and Luis Arturo Paiva (VEN) battling it out. In a nail-biting finish, Guarin Samuel stormed across the finish line in 4:10.71 sec, securing the gold.

Michael Patrick Barber, who clinched the silver, shared his excitement,

“I really wanted to come out here and improve what happened four years ago, so I can’t complain. This silver is a testament to hard work and determination.”

Barber who finished sixth in Lima 2019, was thrilled to win the silver.

“I was really happy with it, I really wanted to come out here and improve what happened four years ago, so I can’t complain,” Barber told Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Carmelo Rivera made history by winning Puerto Rico’s first medal at the games. Rivera reflected on his journey, saying,

“In the race of life, trust that God is guiding you every step of the way. Challenges are opportunities to demonstrate your strength, knowing that he is on your side.”

More actions are coming up from both para-athletics and para-swimming venues today from Santiago 2023.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Beatrice Joins Gabriel in Record-Breaking Triumph at Santiago 2023

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Historic moments continue to unfold at the Santiago 2023 aquatic venue for the third consecutive day.

In the Women’s category, the Carneiro sisters, Debora and Beatrice, engage in a dramatic and emotional showdown in the 100m Breaststroke.

Beatrice (1:14.98 sec) avenges the 2019 Lima Parapan Games by defeating Debora (1:15.02 sec) and sets a new record, surpassing her identical twin’s achievement.

Beatrice and Debora Carneiro with their coach (L) and Salinas Citli (R). Photo Credit: Debora Carneiro and Federación Mexicana de Deportistas Especiales

“I hit the 1:14 mark for the first time in my life and became the champion so I am very very happy. We both (Debora and Beatrice) won medals and shared the podium together as we anticipated before the race during lunchtime,” Beatrice shared in an interview with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.

“I finished just after her with a very little difference. We both are very happy. We were anxious before the race but it all worked out well,” Debora added.

A fierce battle for the third spot ensues between Salinas Citli (MEX) and Justine Morrier (CAN). Justine narrowly misses the bronze by 0.02 microseconds, conceding the third position to Citli.

(L-R) Elian Araya, Gabriel Bandeira and Oswald Yzarra. Photo Credit: NLTC Natación Competitiva , Saulo Cruz/CPB and fondeporte ind.

Gabriel Bandeira secured a remarkable double hat-trick, claiming Gold medals and breaking records at Santiago 2023. In the 100m Breaststroke, Bandeira set his third Parapan Am Games record with an impressive time of 1:07.42 sec, securing another well-deserved title.

Elian Araya (ARG) closely follows Bandeira, earning the second spot on the podium with a time of 1:12.26 sec. Oswald Yzarra from Venezuela clinches the bronze, edging out Trevor Lukacsko (USA) by a mere 0.59 microseconds.

The spotlight now shifts to Para-athletics events, with T20 Men’s 1500m and F20 Women’s Shot-put categories. The excitement at Santiago 2023 continues to build.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Bandeira sets another Parapan record at Santiago 2023

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Brazil’s aquatic dominance continues on the second day of the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, with Gabriel Bandeira and Ana Soares making waves once again.

Gabriel Bandeira on the victory stand at Santiago 2023. © Saulo Cruz/CPB

In the S14 Men’s 100m Backstroke, Bandeira not only stormed to victory with a time of 58.79 sec but also shattered the Parapan Am Games record, narrowly missing the world record by just 1.91 seconds.

The competition for second and third place was intense, with Garcia Juan (COL), Macdonald Tyson (CAN), and Maiden Lautaro (ARG) putting on a thrilling show. Garcia secured the silver with a time of 1:02.65 sec, followed closely by Tyson (1:03.57 sec) and Mautaro (1:03.69 sec).

“Super happy to win the bronze medal. The second medal for me, I had a great race in being the second fastest this morning. Couldn’t be happier,” Tyson told the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

“I got a lot more events left in my schedule and I am excited for them. I just hope it’s motivating everybody else that’s behind the blocks,” he further added.

https://twitter.com/CDNParalympics/status/1726334705858175269

 

Claiming her second gold at the games, Ana Soares dominated the S14 Women’s 100m Backstroke with a time of 1:09.96 sec. Despite facing stiff competition from Mexico’s Salinas Citli, Ana remained undefeated, leaving the nineteen-year-old Mexican swimmer elated with her first medal.

Ana Soares flaunting her Gold. © Saulo Cruz/CPB

In the same event, Van Dyk Emma (CAN) clinched the Bronze, expressing her excitement for the achievement and noting the increased fun and camaraderie at this edition of the Parapan Games.

“It definitely feels good to win the bronze. I dropped two seconds so overall it was a great swim.”

Van, who is competing in her second Parapan Games says the current edition ‘is a lot more fun, there are more countries and athletes so more people to talk to’.

As the S14 100m Breaststroke approaches, all eyes are on Brazil to see if they can further augment their gold medal count. Stay tuned for more thrilling action at Santiago 2023.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Washington Alves/CPB

Brazil dominates the first day of Santiago 2023 Parapan American games

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The 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games were declared open on 17th November in Estadio Nacional. Nearly 2,000 athletes from 31 participating countries proudly paraded with their flags during the Opening Ceremony at Estadio Nacional of Chile. The stands, filled with over 15,000 spectators, echoed with cheers and applause.

Addressing the crowd and athletes, Jaime Pizarro, the Minister of Sports and President of Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games said,

“Today is a historical milestone for Chile, there is a lot of excitement to have this version of the Games, in which the best of high performance will be shown”

Requesting the crowd, he further added,

“Support the Para athletes, because everyone who has played sports, regardless of whether it was professional or amateur, knows what it means to perform in a full venue. Let’s encourage them to reach their maximum potential”

Opening ceremony. Photo Caption: Santiago 2023

The vibrant colors of national jackets, like light blue for Argentina and yellow for Brazil, created a captivating contrast. Embodying the Paralympic spirit, athletes formed a close-knit community, exchanging pins and sharing cultural moments as they awaited their moment to shine in the upcoming competitions until November 26.

Swimming

(L-R) Beatriz BORGES, Ana SOARES and Debora BORGES celebrating their win in 200m Freestyle at Santiago 2023. Photo Credit: Comitê Paralímpico Brasileiro. © Washington Alves/CPB

On day one of the swimming competitions, Brazilian women claimed a podium sweep in the 200m Freestyle, with Ana Soares (2:17.66), Beatriz Carneiro (2:21.16), and Debora Carneiro (2:22.46) securing the top three spots.

Gabriel Bandeira in action (L) and giving his iconic winning pose (R). © Washington Alves/CPB

Paralympic Champion and Virtus Ambassador – Gabriel Bandeira set a new Parapan Am Games Record in his debut Parapan Games. He clocked 1:56.30, to clinch gold, defeating Colombia’s Garcia Juan (1:57.28). Macdonald Tyson (CAN) secured the bronze with a time of 2:01.61.

Table Tennis

Winners from Men’s Singles. (L-R) MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN), SIMOES Thiago (BRA), ROSAS Armin (CHI) and SUQUILLO Angelo (ECU). Photo Credit: Comitê Paralímpico Brasileiro-Cis Mattos

In the Men’s singles (Class 11) Semifinals, SIMOES Thiago (BRA) clashed with ROSAS Armin (CHI) in Match 1. Simoes secured a 3-1 victory, leading in the first match (11-6). Despite a comeback from Rosas in the second match (6-11), Simoes dominated the next two matches (11-1, 11-7) with determination, earning his spot in the finals. In Match 2, MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN) defeated SUQUILLO Angelo (ECU) convincingly with a 3-0 win.

The ultimate showdown for the gold medal took place between SIMOES Thiago (BRA) and MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN). Despite a tough fight, Denisos couldn’t withstand Simoes’s aggressive play, and Simoes emerged victorious with a 3-0 triumph.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Virtus Upholds Integrity and Fair Play at Vichy: GG2023 Legacy Story

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The conclusion of the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy-France marked the culmination of a remarkable gathering, uniting athletes from over 45 countries across all continents. With a participation of more than 900 athletes, the event featured competition and inspiration across thirteen sports, including three Paralympic pathways: swimming, athletics, and table tennis.

Virtus spared no dedication or effort in ensuring the cleanest edition of the Global Games. Working through the Organising Committee, Virtus Anti-Doping actively engaged on multiple fronts, encompassing testing and education. In terms of testing, Virtus conducted over 30 tests, screening athletes from diverse sports disciplines, ensuring fairness and balance for all participants in the event.

All tests adhered to the standards and procedures outlined by WADA and Virtus, prioritizing the quality of work and the safety of athletes. Virtus collaborated with French anti-doping authority Agence Francaise de Lutte contre le Dopage (AFLD) and National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), along with the LOC health coordinators in a collective effort to promote clean sport.

Virtus Anti-Doping officer, Juliana Soares, who was leading the Virtus Anti-Doping team said,

“We believe in the potential of our athletes, and our role here is to protect clean and fair athletes. For this, we need to stand together with them, guiding them through ethical values and providing useful and necessary information for a well-rounded career. We were present in Vichy every day, engaging in conversations and imparting knowledge on how to be a clean athlete.

On the education front, this edition marked a significant milestone as the first to implement educational initiatives for all sports at the event. The Virtus Anti-Doping team actively engaged with coaches, providing them with relevant information to help prevent inadvertent doping when there is no intention to do so.

Virtus is unwavering in its commitment to Clean Sport, and initiatives like these form part of an ongoing project to progressively shape the behaviour of athletes, support staff, and the internal technical team, fostering a collective effort for Clean Sport.

Eight new member nations welcomed into Virtus Family

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Virtus Sport welcomed new members to its family this weekend as the 2023 General Assembly ratified the membership of National Member Organisations in from Fiji, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Guinea, Gabon, and Jamaica. The World Dodgeball Federation was also welcomed into the International Federation category.

It brings Virtus’ total membership to 101 organisations – more than at any time in our history.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of Virtus Kazakhstan – Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities expressed her excitement about joining Virtus:

“We are delighted to join the Virtus family. Our team has put in tremendous effort over the past year, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the trust from the Virtus membership.”

She emphasized the significance of this membership for Kazakhstan and the athletes with intellectual impairments, as it opens up new prospects for elite competition-

“This membership is very promising and will open up new possibilities for our athletes to participate in the Virtus Global Games, Asian Para Games, and Paralympic Games. We have a long journey ahead and have already developed a comprehensive plan for the development of sports for individuals with intellectual impairments in Kazakhstan for the period 2023-2030.”

Virtus President Marc Truffaut welcomed the new members and highlighted Virtus’ commitment to increasing its global reach:

“Virtus has been focused on increasing membership and this time we have welcomed eight new members from Oceania, Asia, and the African region. We are thrilled to work with these new members and, with their support, will be nurturing new talents into elite sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment. We hope to see more nations competing in our next Asia Oceania Games in 2026 and at the Virtus Global Games 2027.”

Meanwhile the Assembly also ratified the appointment of new Board members with Yossi Romano (ISR) and Aaron Benjamin (IND) elected as Members at Large.

Virtus Board Members received warm welcome from Japanese Paralympic Committee ahead of the Virtus General Assembly

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The Vice Chair of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, Mr. Masaki Fujiwara, welcomed Virtus Governing Board Members to Japan.

Mr. Fujiwara welcomed everyone acknowledging the Global Games 2019 and Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, and this year’s Virtus Global Games 2023 in Vichy France, highlighting the opportunities for participation for Japanese athletes.

He went on to mention the success of a recent event in Kagoshima for Japanese athletes with a disability and the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Mr. Fujiwara acknowledged the numbers of athletes with intellectual impairment participating in both events, particular the Kagoshima Games, and the importance of these events for the health and wellbeing of athletes.Mr. Fujiwara said it was an honour to have the Virtus Governing Board in Japan to conduct the General Assembly and hopes the leadership team will have good meetings and an opportunity to appreciate the sights of Japan.

Marc Truffaut, Virtus President thanked the Japan Paralympic Committee, Virtus Board Member in Japan Hiroaki Taniguchi, and Toshi Saito from All Nippon Intellectual Disability Sports Association (ANISA), for the welcome and hospitality. Mr. Truffaut also invited Japan to one day host a Virtus Regional or Global Games.

The Virtus Governing Board members are meeting to discuss strategic priorities for organisation, growing Virtus competitions and the Global Games. There is impetus to discuss pathways development in the decade ahead that aims to see elite athletes with an intellectual impairment have more access and opportunities at international competitions including Paris2024, LA2028 and towards Brisbane 2032.

Further information on the outcomes of the General Assembly will be shared in due course.

World Champions Hold Their Ground at Budapest 2023

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The 26th edition of the World Senior Karate Championship was held from October 24th to October 29th in Budapest, Hungary.

This championship marked the second time that athletes with intellectual impairments participated, following the event in Dubai in 2021.

K21 category

Olivia Kakosy, the current World and European champion of Intellectually Impaired Female K21, was poised to defend her title on home turf in Budapest. The local Para-Karate star earned her spot in the final after dominating the elimination pool with an impressive score of 39.9. Her opponent in the final was Lucia Sanchez of Spain, who holds the current 2023 Virtus Global Games title, World Championships bronze medal and Continental Championships runner-up titles. Sanchez secured her place in the final by topping her pool with a score of 40.4.

Olivia Kakosy at Budapest 2023. Photo Credit: World Karate Federation

The home crowd had the chance to celebrate Olivia Kakosy’s victory. The Hungarian karateka delivered an outstanding performance, outscoring Lucia Sanchez with a final score of 41.4 to 40.5.

The Male K21 category featured Albert Singer of Germany and Carlos Huertas Ruiz of Spain, GG2023 Champion in the final. Carlos Huertas of Spain emerged as one of the heroes of the day in Para-Karate, claiming his second consecutive World title in the Male K21 category.

As for the K21 bronze medals, they were awarded to Elise Reedjik of The Netherlands, Federica Yakymashko of Italy, Antonio Pereira of Portugal, and Moustafa Hassan of Egypt.

K22 category

Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim at 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Luc-Percival. © Virtus Sport

The Female K22 category set the stage for an all-Egyptian duel between Nadin Youssef and Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim, both in contention for the gold. Youssef, the current World Championships bronze medalist, led her pool with a score of 38.7, while Ebrahim, the defending titleholder, also earned a score of 38.7 in the elimination pool.

In an intense showdown in the finals, the defending champion Salma emerged victorious with a final score of 40.2 to 38.1, securing the gold and her second world title.

Budapest 2023 K22 Silver medalist, Mattia Allesina in action at GG2023. Photo Credit: Luc Percival. © Virtus Sport

The Male K22 final featured a battle between Italy’s Mattia Allesina and Egypt’s Ahmed Elbeltagy where Ahmed claimed the crown, defeating Italy’s Mattia Alessina in the final with scores of 38.8 to 36.7, retaining his World title.

The K22 bronze medals were awarded to Natalia Olson of Canada, Daniela Topic of Croatia, Hazem Elsabbagh of Egypt, and Joao Estrela Azevedo of Portugal.

 

Poland’s dominance continues at Ciechanów 2023

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The 2023 Virtus World and European Cross Country Championship concludes after two exciting days. On the second day of the event, familiar faces found success once more in both the men’s and women’s categories.

In the II1 women’s event, the host nation’s short course medalists switched positions in the challenging 6km long course. Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC, fondly known as the “Golden Basia,” maintained her undefeated streak and secured the gold with a time of 23:52 seconds.

Monika WYROBEK sought vengeance from the previous day and outpaced Anna BODZIONY to claim the silver, finishing an incredibly close race with times of 24:04 seconds and 24:16 seconds, respectively.

(L-R). Monika WYROBEK, Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC  and Anna BODZIONY. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

As for the II1 Men’s 8km Long Course, the runners didn’t disappoint and delivered an exciting performance. Christiano Pereira from Portugal and Gaël Geffroy from France once again engaged in a fierce battle for the championship title, mirroring their rankings from the previous day.

Winners of II1 and II2 Men’s Long Course. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

Christiano, with a time of 24:13 seconds, clinched his second gold medal of the tournament, while Gaël secured another silver with a time of 24:36 seconds. Meanwhile, Jose Martinez MOROTE from Spain faced stiff competition from Adrian Parras ALVAREZ but managed to secure the final spot on the podium.

“I am feeling very proud to win Gold in both long and short distance. I did some long distance specific trainings for this event and things turned out to be pretty great for me”, Christiano told Virtus.

In the II2 Men’s 4km race, Spanish runners continued their strong performance, but there was a shift in the winners’ positions. Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL surrendered the championship title today to Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO by a mere 00:31 microseconds. Jason DAVID from France secured his second bronze medal.

Anna SZEWCZYK and Magdalena DĄBROWSKA on podium. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

In II2 Women’s 4km, Polish runners Anna SZEWCZYK and Magdalena DĄBROWSKA won the gold and silver respectively.

In Team’s, Spain took the trophy while Portugal came second and Poland came third.

The host nation claimed the top spot in the medal tally with a total of 11 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze). Spain followed with 5 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze), and Portugal secured 2 gold medals.

Full results can be accessed from here.

Short Course dominated by Polish women on Day 1 of Ciechanów 2023

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The 2023 Virtus World and European Championship officially opened today in Ciechanów, Poland. Athletes from all the participating teams took part in a march at the Family Park of Entertainment and Education in Gołotczyźna. The opening ceremony was graced by notable attendees, including Jan Andrzej Kaluszkiewicz, Starost of the Ciechanów County, and Dariusz Mosakowski, President of Sprawni-Razem.

Opening ceremony celebration at Ciechanów 2023. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

While addressing the crowd, Dariusz Mosakowski’s emphasized the importance of overcoming personal challenges and limitations. After the opening ceremony, the competition kicked off with the short course races.

Polish women cleaned the podium in short course

Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC. Photo Credit: OIS

In the Women’s 2Km Cross Country final, the host nation athletes showcased their remarkable prowess in front of the home crowd and secured an impressive clean sweep of the podium. Barbara BIEGANOWSKA-ZAJĄC, the four time Paralympic Champion and multiple time Virtus champion, once again stood out as the gold medalist (7:23sec), putting on a stellar performance that earned her the highest honor. Her fellow countrywomen, Anna BODZIONY (7:32sec)and Monika YROBEK (7:33sec), also delivered outstanding performances, claiming the silver and bronze medals, respectively. This display of Polish dominance underscored their strength and skill in cross country running, leaving a lasting impression on the competition.

Winners of 4km Cross Country. Photo Credit: ANDDI Portugal

In the 4km Cross Country event, the gold medal went to Cristiano Pereira, demonstrating his exceptional abilities on the challenging course. He outpaced his competitors, which included France’s Gaël Geffroy and Poland’s Daniel Pek, to claim the coveted top spot. Pereira’s impressive victory in this event highlighted his endurance and determination, earning him a well-deserved gold medal and recognition as a formidable cross country runner.

The II2 Mixed 2km race unfolded as a thrilling and closely contested battle between two Spanish runners, Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL and Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO. Both athletes displayed remarkable speed and determination throughout the race, making it a captivating competition. In the end, Mikel Garcia AGUIRREZABAL emerged as the victor, securing the gold medal with an impressive performance. Jose Nicolas Castaño CASTRO’s remarkable efforts earned him the silver medal, a testament to his skill and competitive spirit. Jason David from France secured the bronze, adding to the intense competition and showcasing the diverse talent of athletes in the race. This exciting race displayed the true essence of sportsmanship and determination at the championship.

The long course races are scheduled for tomorrow, and live results can be accessed here.