2024 World Cycling Series (Southern Hemisphere) is coming to Ballarat, Australia

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Virtus is thrilled to announce that the 2024 World Cycling Series (Southern Hemisphere) is set to be held in Ballarat, Australia.

In an effort to create more opportunities and provide increased flexibility for cyclists with intellectual impairments worldwide, Virtus will be organizing the series in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

The host for this event will be Sport Inclusion Australia, a Virtus member nation based in Australia, in partnership with AusCycling.

Kipp Kaufmann, the Executive General of AusCycling, enthusiastically stated,

“We are absolutely delighted to collaborate with VIRTUS in bringing some of the world’s finest cyclists to Australia. We eagerly anticipate hosting this exceptional event.”

Following the success of the cycling events at the Virtus Global Games 2023, Rinus Verboom, Virtus Cycling director, shares in the excitement for the cyclists in the region.

The Australian leg of the series is scheduled to kick off on January 1, 2024, and run through to January 7. This exciting event will be integrated into the esteemed Federation University Road National Championships, an annual gathering that draws top riders from the region.

More information can be accessed from the Virtus events calendar.

Virtus athletes welcomed to the prestigious Boston Marathon

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Earning a starting line spot at the Boston Marathon is the oldest, most sought-after accolade for distance runners from all over the world. And the recent news about inclusion and prize money for Virtus athletes has spurred excitement across our 90+ member nations and more than 500,000 athletes globally.

In a media statement released by the Boston Athletics Association, they announced the expansion of the para-athletics division for the Boston Marathon in 2024. This provides greater accessibility and opportunities to seven impairment groups, including the T20 (also called II1) group for athletes with intellectual impairment. The 128th running of the Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Read the full media statement from the Boston Athletics Association website.

Barry Holman, Virtus General Secretary and President of Athletes Without Limits( Virtus member in the U.S.A) said the announcement is a major win for inclusion in sport and a significant opportunity for Virtus’ long-distance runners to compete in a class of their own, be eligible to win prize money and showcase their best on a world stage.

“Runners from all over the world, plan for, train hard and compete to earn a Boston Marathon bib. Racing Boston is a dream come true for many runners and now Virtus athletes can share in that same dream.”

“Virtus congratulates the Boston Athletics Association on this major advancement in high-performance sports inclusion. And we celebrate the excitement of seeing intellectual impairment division runners take their mark to compete for a share of the $11,000 prize money on offer in the division.”

For the registration process, contact [email protected].

Alejandro Meneses Medero Seizes Inaugural 3000m Open Water Title

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Sardinia 2023, the World Para Swimming’s first Open Water Championship concluded on Sunday. In the Men’s S11-S14 3000m Open Water race, two exceptional athletes with intellectual impairments, who competed under the S14 class, dominated the podium.

Alejandro Meneses Medero (S14), an exceptional swimmer hailing from Spain, made history by clinching the inaugural championship title in the 3000m Open Water race. He delivered a stellar performance, clocking a remarkable time of 43:38.00, and asserted his dominance on the podium. In the chase for glory, he was closely trailed by Bassani Federico (S11) and Victor Izzo (S14), who clinched the second and third positions, respectively.

Reflecting on his monumental victory, Alejandro described it as a “dream come true,” an experience of a lifetime, heightened by the fantastic camaraderie among the athletes. He recounted the ever-changing conditions of the race, saying,

“During the initial lap, it was smooth sailing as the sea was calm, but a gentle breeze during the second lap altered everything, creating somewhat challenging conditions.”

In a conversation with Virtus, Alejandro shed light on his preparations for this prestigious event.

“I’ve been participating in regional competitions for the past four years and engaging in the conventional National open water circuit organised by the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation within my age category Premaster. This rigorous training prepared me well for this debut World Para Swimming Open Water Cup, and I had high hopes for a strong performance.”

Being a resident of the Canary Islands, Alejandro had the unique advantage of regularly training in the open waters, alongside his companions Maijo, Julio, and Ale, in addition to his dedicated pool training sessions.

Alejandro Meneses at Sardinia 2023. Photo Credit: Alejandro and World Para Swimming

After tasting success, Alejandro expressed his desire to continue participating in the national circuits of the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation. He also harboured hopes that this competition could evolve into a global circuit with various series, a development he found promising.

“I think it’s a fantastic discipline, and I hope it gains more prominence in the future, not just at the Virtus level but also within the World Para Swimming organisation.”

Alejandro graciously dedicated his hard-earned medal to his supportive family, acknowledging their unwavering assistance in his competition preparations. He also expressed gratitude to his club, the Santa Cruz Sports Group, where he competes in Open Water, and the adapted club A.D. Tensalus. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to the organizations that stood by his side, his physiotherapist, and the dedicated fans who continually showered him with their support and congratulations through social networks.

Pernilla Lindberg Makes History as Women’s 3000m Champion at Sardinia 2023

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Sardinia, the enchanting Italian gem celebrated globally as a top tourist hotspot, is presently the epicenter of excitement as it hosts the inaugural World Para Swimming Open Water Cup. Here, a spectacular congregation of thirty-six Para swimmers representing 13 diverse nations has converged on the pristine waters of San Teodoro, each harboring aspirations of seizing prestigious titles. This groundbreaking event showcases four multi-class races, spanning the challenging 1.5km Open Water and 3km Middle-distance competitions for both men and women.

The inaugural 2023 World Para Swimming Open Water Cup bore witness to five exceptional athletes with intellectual impairments, who made quite a splash, drawing significant attention. Pernilla Lindberg of Sweden, Marina Pettinella of Italy, Viktor Izzo of Italy, Francesco Maestoso of Italy, and Alejandro Meneses Medero of Spain brought their A-game to the grand occasion.

The championship embarked on its thrilling journey yesterday, commencing with the Men’s and Women’s 3000m open water contests.

Pernilla Lindberg, in a momentous triumph, etched her name into history by claiming the Women’s S11-S14 3000m title with a remarkable time of 38:03.00. Her dedication and prowess were evident, as she shared her training regimen, saying,

“I have been training for the open water in a lake near my home in Gothenburg, Sweden, covering 5-6km every session. It was quite a struggle with the waves, which I’m not used to, but I powered through and emerged victorious. I really hope this will be a continuation and a future event for Paralympics and Virtus has this will inspire more para swimmers to compete in open water.“

Pernilla lindberg at Sardinia 2023

In an inspiring twist, Pernilla also earned the title of champion at the 2023 Swedish Open Water Championship this year, where the paralympic swimmer swam alongside mainstream swimmers. Pernilla attributed part of her success to the synergy of open water and pool training. She revealed,

“I believe the combination of both pool and open water training works well for me. I achieved my personal best in the 200m freestyle in Manchester 2023. My primary goal in open water is to conquer Vansbro next. I will also set my sights on the national Swedish open water championship and possibly some international competitions with mainstream swimmers in the coming year.”

Pernilla achieved significant recognition during the 2023 Virtus Global Games, securing an impressive total of four gold medals and one bronze, further solidifying her reputation.

Pettinella Marin (S14) representing Italy claimed third place in the same event with the timing of 52:44.00.

Pettinella Marin flaunting her Bronze medal at Sardinia 2023

“Initially, I believed that achieving the Italian title was within my reach. However, as the race unfolded, my expectations took an unexpected turn as I found myself securing a remarkable third place in the World Cup WPS. This outcome came as a delightful surprise, especially considering the race’s daunting conditions characterized by strong winds and towering waves. The challenge presented by the tide, in addition to the fierce competition, was something I hadn’t anticipated.”

“My preparations for this feat involved rigorous training throughout the summer, which included extensive sea swims and pool sessions. During my seaside stays, I committed to two daily training sessions, covering a total distance of approximately 6 kilometers. In the afternoons, I dedicated myself to refining my technical skills in the pool.”

While this edition marks the maiden voyage of the Cup, open water races have featured in the World Para Swimming calendar in the past. The most recent of these competitions transpired over a decade ago. Sardinia’s hosting of this monumental event signifies a significant milestone in expanding participation in this exhilarating discipline.

Craig Nicholson, the Head of World Para Swimming, conveyed the organization’s unwavering commitment to the perpetual enhancement of this event. He emphasized that World Para Swimming (WPS) is determined to glean insights from the current edition to elevate the event for the forthcoming year. This visionary perspective views the event not as a solitary occurrence but as a stepping stone towards its growth, with the goal of establishing it as a recurring spectacle on the calendar, boasting increasing participation from Para swimmers year after year.

Virtus is brimming with optimism, foreseeing this event as the dawn of a new era, not just for World Para Swimming but also for Virtus itself, particularly in the realm of Open Water Swimming.

WATCH SARDINIA 2023 OPEN WATER CUP

Start lists and results can be accessed from www.natatoria.com.

Virtus Sport

2024 World Skiing Championship is coming to Poland

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairments, is excited to announce that the prestigious 2024 Virtus World Skiing Championship will be hosted in Poland.

Set to unfold from March 3rd to 7th, this monumental event will be organised by the Związek Stowarzyszeń Sportowych (SPRAWNI-RAZEM), member organization in Poland.

Zakopane, the charming “Winter Capital of Poland,” will serve as the backdrop for this grand event. With its breathtaking mountain vistas, scenic wooden architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Zakopane promises to enchant participants and visitors alike. The city offers a rich variety of winter sports disciplines, from heart-pounding skiing and snowboarding to thrilling ice climbing and biathlon, ensuring a diverse and captivating competition that will leave a lasting impression on athletes and spectators.

Speaking to Virtus, Chairman of Sprawni-Razem, Rafael Gesek, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating,

 “Our aim is to promote social inclusion, increase awareness of intellectual impairments, and emphasize the positive impact of sports on the lives of athletes with intellectual impairments and autism through this event.”

Sprawni-Razem has an impressive track record of successfully hosting Virtus events and is confident in delivering another exceptional championship.

“We’ve hosted prestigious Virtus athletic events since 2016, like the World Skiing Championships in Zakopane (2016 and 2018), Cross Country Championships in Trzebnica (2019), and Indoor World Championships in Toruń (2020). Our experience ensures we’re ready for the 2024 Virtus World Skiing Championships in Zakopane.”

Alpine events will grace the Kasprowy Wierch Ski Resort, situated atop the northern slopes of Kasprowy Wierch in the Polish Western Tatra Mountains. Kasprowy is Poland’s highest-altitude skiing destination, offering a challenging terrain with a length of over 1600 meters, a vertical drop of 352 meters, and an average slope of 30%. With its alpine character and a demanding black rating certified by FIS (International Ski Federation), it’s a top choice for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

The Nordic events will be held at Zakopane’s COS-OPO cross-country skiing tracks. These meticulously designed tracks have earned the coveted approval of FIS for hosting prestigious championship events. As winter arrives, these tracks provide an exhilarating experience, featuring a maximum loop length of 2.5 km and a consistently snow-covered 1.0 km track.

More updates will follow soon.

39th Virtus Governing Board meeting to be held in Tokyo this November

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Virtus has announced that its 39th Governing Board meeting will be held in Tokyo, Japan between November 3rd to 5th 2023.

The Governing Board will convene on November 3rd following which the 2023 Virtus General Assembly will take place remotely on November 4th. The new Board will then reconvene on November 5th.

The meetings are the first to be held since the 2023 Global Games and provide a chance to reflect on the success of the GG2023 – the largest edition of the Games ever to be staged – whilst also looking ahead to priorities for 2024.

There is also anticipation surrounding the announcement of the host for GG2027 and updates on the IPC’s commitment to enhance the representation of athletes with an intellectual impairment in Paralympic competition.

Marc Truffaut, Virtus President, said he was looking forward to visiting Tokyo again.

“The 2020 Paralympic Games bring fond memories despite the difficult circumstances in which they were conducted and I am delighted that we all can visit Japan again”.

The 2023 General Assembly marks a historic shift as it will be the organisation’s first-ever remote General Assembly, designed to streamline costs for members during the Global Games year.

During the assembly, new members of the Virtus Governing Board be elected for the period to 2027. The Assembly provides a vital platform for reporting to members and receiving motions that will steer the organisation’s future direction.

Embracing Sustainability: A GG2023 Legacy Story

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The Virtus Global Games 2023 (GG2023) stood as a pivotal milestone in the history of Virtus events, through the establishment of the Sustainable Development team within the Local Organising Committee (LOC). The task was to establish sustainability principles across the landscape of the various delivery commissions (volunteers, accommodation, transport, sport etc) but without placing significant burdens or extra barriers.

Comprised of a dedicated team of six individuals, each member took on specific roles aligned with their skills and aspirations. The team’s structure included a General Coordinator, International Conference Manager, Virtus Forest Manager, Eco Ambassador Manager, Clean Walk Manager, and Communication Manager. Nevertheless, their responsibilities extended beyond these defined roles, showcasing the team’s flexibility. During the event, the team collaborated with volunteers from medico-social establishments, forming two groups that assisted in waste sorting and clean-up activities.

Creation of the First Virtus Forest

A noteworthy environmental effort involved tree planting at the Virtus Forest, symbolizing unity and sustainability. Elected officials, volunteers, organizers, and athletes, came together to plant a total of 100 trees, consisting of holly and hornbeam varieties.

Palabre Tree

The Palabre Tree emerged as a poignant representation of shared dreams, spanning from personal ambitions to global hopes. The messages inscribed on its branches reflected a range of desires:

  • Pursuits of gold medals.
  • Including more medal events for athletes with intellectual impairments at the Paralympic Games.
  • Advocacy for recognizing and integrating people with disabilities in sports.
  • Various other heartfelt aspirations deeply resonate.

Palabre Tree standing tall at Virtus GG2023

Donated by FFSA to CREPS, Vichy, a sports hub in the region, the tree will serve as a reminder of the success stories of athletes with intellectual impairment and/or autism and spectacular opportunities offered by events like the Virtus Global Games.

Waste Management

Parallel to this arboreal dialogue, waste management garnered significant praise, particularly in the dining area. Collaborating with the AREMACS association and the city of Vichy’s administration, the team implemented efficient waste separation methods. This encompassed not only recycling initiatives but also composting around 1300 kilograms of food waste, later repurposed for city gardens. In addition, FFSA collaborated with the Food Bank and Restos du Cœur de Vichy to minimize food wastage. Excess meals were repurposed by being contributed to the Vichy Food Bank, leading to the provision of around 2,000 meals for the less fortunate.

In terms of waste management pertaining to water consumption,  2,500 reusable water bottles and transport glasses were included in the Welcome Packs for personal use. Water fountains were installed in every sports facility and reception area. During the games, a total of 652 19-litre carboys amounting to 12,388 litres of water was consumed. This translates to a reduction of 12,388 1-litre plastic bottles that would have otherwise become waste.

Clean Walk

An initiative called “Clean Walks” further underscored the team’s dedication to waste management. Participants engaged in collecting litter around sports facilities and the convention centre. The city of Vichy applauded these actions, recognizing their influence on waste sorting policies in sports events and embracing the possibility of implementing this practice in all such events in the future.

As the dust settles after GG2023, the impact of this event in Vichy, France reverberates on various fronts. Within Adapted Sports, the legacy signifies proof of impactful environmental action without overwhelming resources. Inspired by the accomplishments of the Sustainable Development team, the Regional League will incorporate waste sorting into their competition organization guidelines. Furthermore, at the Virtus level, GG2023 demonstrates the attainability of seamlessly integrating sustainability into international event planning. This signifies not only a moment but a trajectory toward greater and more enduring strides in the realm of sustainability for future events.

“Paris 2024 To Deliver Most Spectacular Paralympics In History”, Says IPC President

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Today marks the #OneYearToGo for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In just twelve months, a remarkable display of athletic prowess awaits, with athletes with intellectual impairment stepping into the spotlight across three captivating sports: Swimming (S14), Athletics (T20/F20), and Table Tennis (Class 11). This event promises to be a celebration of their exceptional abilities and talents.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons believes Paris 2024 is on the course to deliver the most spectacular Paralympic Games in history. 

The Brazilian Andrew Parsons holds the belief that a combination of ‘world-class sport, iconic venues, the first Games since the pandemic, and a revolutionary approach by the Organising Committee’ will culminate in a Paralympics that outshines all previous editions.

Parsons expressed, “As we reach the one-year-to-go milestone, all the stars are aligning for Paris 2024 to deliver tremendous and memorable Paralympic Games, setting a benchmark for all future editions.”

He further elaborated, stating, “The Organising Committee has promised innovative and revolutionary Paralympics, Games Wide Open to all. To date, they are delivering on all their promises and with 12 months to go, I could not be more excited for the Games and the legacy they will deliver.”

“Having attended many Para sports events this year, the level of sports performance is quite simply incredible. With the environment Paris 2024 is creating for athletes next summer, which includes many stunning sports venues at the heart of the city, I think the sporting action will surpass all of our expectations. 

“These will be the first Paralympics in Europe since London 2012 and the first to be held with spectators since Rio 2016. This combination, together with accessible and affordable tickets, will ensure we have massive crowds packing the venues, bringing the best out of our athletes. I think the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are going to be spectacular.” 

 Aim to sell every Paralympic ticket 

With tickets set to be up for grabs starting October 9th at rates that cater to families and affordability, the IPC President has an ambitious vision: the complete sellout of all 2.8 million tickets. Among these, a noteworthy half are priced at a wallet-friendly EUR 25 or lower, while tickets spanning the diverse spectrum of 22 sporting events span from EUR 15 to EUR 100.

Andrew Parsons shared his anticipation, stating, “I’m envisioning an overwhelming surge in demand for tickets to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games once they hit the market on October 9th.”

He emphasized the unswerving commitment of the Paralympic Games to inclusivity, saying, “The Paralympic Games has consistently adhered to the pledge of making tickets accessible for all, and Paris 2024 continues to embody this very principle. Our collaborative work with the Organising Committee has yielded a range of prices that cater to families and affordability, granting entrance to world-class sports set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring iconic venues.”

Highlighting the distinctive ambience of the Paralympic Games, he further remarked, “The Paralympic Games stands as one of those rare global sporting mega-events that one can enjoy alongside their entire circle of friends and family. This very essence contributes to the exceptional and unique aura that envelops the Games for each and every attendee.”

Radiating confidence in the athletes’ prowess, Parsons affirmed, “In the span of the last decade, we’ve witnessed a remarkable leap in athletic excellence across all 22 sports. The pool of talent’s depth and the fervour of competition have never been more pronounced. From a sporting vantage point, there’s little doubt that Paris 2024 will secure its place as the zenith of Paralympic Games.”

He concluded on a hopeful note, “Much like previous iterations, our aspiration remains the attainment of a sold-out event, with every ticket being snapped up by eager spectators the moment they’re made available on October 9th. With the fusion of world-class sports, stunning venues, and pocket-friendly pricing, our resolve to achieve this aim is resolute.”

Coming closest to a sold-out scenario was the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where a staggering 2.72 million tickets (equivalent to 95% capacity) were successfully sold. Tokyo 2020 would likely have replicated this feat if not for the pandemic; a remarkable 3.1 million ticket requests poured in during the initial sales months, underscoring the immense interest.

For those keen on securing tickets, they can be acquired through the official Paris 2024 Games website.

Source: International Paralympic Committee

Celebrating Inaugural Games for Athletes with Autism: GG2023 Legacy Story

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The 2023 Virtus Global Games (GG2023) made history as it included the II3 eligibility group (for athletes with autism) to its full medal programme for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in the sporting world providing an inclusive platform for 106 events across nine sports: Swimming, Table Tennis, Athletics, Tennis, Judo, Taekwondo, Cycling, Equestrian, and Rowing. The inaugural event showcased remarkable talents and unrivalled determination, leaving an indelible mark on the global sports community. A record total of 79 athletes (60 male and 19 females) from 19 countries competed.

Unprecedented Achievements:

Maria Kjer Rasmussen and  Axel Parisot Photo Credit: Grégory Picout

Among the inspiring competitors, two athletes stood out, Maria Kjer Rasmussen from Denmark and Axel Parisot from France. These exceptional athletes etched their names in Virtus history, setting best-performance records in an astonishing eight events each. Maria-Kjer’s brilliance shone in the 100m-200m Backstroke, 100m-200m Breaststroke, 50m-100m Butterfly, and 200m-400m Individual Medley, while Axel Parisot impressed in the 50m-100m-200m-400m-800m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley, along with contributing to the French relay team’s victories in 4x50m and 4x100m Individual Medley.

A Triumph for Kazakhstan:

Dastan Ordabay (first from left). Photo Credit: Grégory Picot

Amidst the jubilation, Kazakhstan celebrated its first participation in the Virtus competition with pride. Dastan Ordabay made his nation proud by clinching four silver medals. A truly historic moment for Kazakhstan’s sports landscape, his achievements were a testament to the power of dedication and resilience.

Inclusive Empowerment:

The impact of GG2023 extends far beyond the podium – they’ve shattered stereotypes, rewritten expectations, and showcased the boundless capabilities of individuals with autism.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, Kazakhstan’s Head of Delegation (HOD), emphasized the significance of Virtus events for athletes with intellectual impairments and autism. According to her, GG2023 has opened doors to high-performance competitions for these exceptional athletes, representing hope and inspiration for every child facing similar challenges in Kazakhstan.

The GG2023 demonstrated the true essence of sportsmanship and inclusivity, setting an example for future generations. The games left a lasting legacy, resonating with the global audience and fostering greater acceptance, and understanding, celebrating athletes with autism and promoting inclusivity.

Virtus Sport continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future in sports, empowering individuals of all abilities to showcase their talent on the world stage.

Team Ukraine Writes Their Legend: A GG2023 Legacy Story

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The Virtus Global Games hold profound significance for many athletes. For some, they are an opportunity to proudly represent their country on a global stage whilst for others, they mark a lifetime achievement, symbolizing their dedication and talent in their respective sports in their pursuit of sporting excellence.

Despite facing challenging circumstances, Team Ukraine attended the 2023 Global Games with a team of 18 athletes, 14 in athletics and 4 in table tennis, finishing 14th overall in the medal table.

During their preparations, many athletes with intellectual impairments had to be evacuated to safer places by Virtus Ukraine, as they were residing in regions affected by the ongoing conflict. Despite the fear and uncertainties, the motivation from their coaches played a crucial role in helping them stay focused on their goals.

“They were all very scared because of what was happening when we rescued them. Sometimes they were crying in the middle of the night and during training too. The motivational talks of their coaches helped them a lot during that time I think,” Iryna Aleksieieva, Ukraine’s HOD, told Virtus Sport.

“We have some of the best para-athletes, paralympic champions. We stood strong. When I look back now at the Games, I think they did a wonderful job. In athletics, they won twelve golds, six silvers and five bronzes and came second overall.” She further added.

Among these champions, Maksym Koval stood out, breaking two Virtus World Records in the II1 men’s shot put and discus throw events.

Ukrainian para-athletes are admired as epitomes of resilience and strength, inspiring people both with and without disabilities. Their unwavering determination leaves a lasting impact on the global stage of para-athletics.

The GG2023 event showcased the power of sports to provide hope and unite athletes in the pursuit of excellence, despite the difficult circumstances they may face.