APG 2022: Hong Kong Sweeps the podium clean on the first day of Hangzhou 2022

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The Asian Para Games in Hangzhou 2022, east China’s Zhejiang Province, was declared open yesterday after one-year delay.

With over 3,000 athletes showcasing the finest Para sports talents at the multisport event that took place a year ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the Games were a significant milestone.

Osmanthus flowers in full bloom at opening ceremony of APG Hangzhou 2022. Photo Credit: Asian Paralympic Committee

After a one-year postponement due to the impact of COVID-19, participants from 44 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) competed in 564 medal events spanning 22 sports. This event, which concluded on October 28, holds a crucial position on the path to Paris 2024 and offers qualifying opportunities in select sports. The Asian Para Games were officially inaugurated by China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Athletes with intellectual impairments hailing from Asian regions are gearing up to compete fiercely across various events in Athletics, Swimming, and Table Tennis at the games.

Athletics

Reina Hori of Japan took an early lead in the F20 Women’s Shot-Put, impressively topping the scoreboard with her first attempt, launching the shot to a distance of 11.43m. She continued to dominate the event and ultimately set a new Asian Record at 11.93m. Indonesian athlete Suparni Yati secured the second position with a throw of 11.12m, while Noor Imanina Binti Idris from India settled for third place with a distance of 11.08m.

Swimming

(L-R) Hong Kong’s Tsun Lok Cheung, Wai Lok Tang and Hon Yin Wong. Photo Credit: China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee

The first day of the competition witnessed Hong Kong’s outstanding performance, as they dominated the podium in the S14 Men’s 200m Freestyle event. Virtus Ambassador Wai Lok Tang set a new Asian Para Games record with a remarkable time of 1:56.76 seconds, followed closely by Tsun Lok Cheung at 1:57.34 seconds and Hon Yin Wong at 2:00.65 seconds. A triumphant start for Hong Kong in this event!

Aira Kinoshita from Japan delivered a memorable performance, clinching the title in the S14 Women’s 200m Freestyle with a time of 2:22.44 seconds, narrowly missing the Asian record by just one second. The competition intensified, particularly in the battle between Nattharinee Khajhonmatha of Thailand and Japan’s Mami Inoue. Nattharinee ultimately secured the second spot, outpacing Mami by a mere 0.01.76 seconds. A thrilling display of talent and determination!

Table Tennis

Chen Po Yen at GG2023. Photo Credit: Kellerman

In the Men’s Singles Group A, the emerging talent from Chinese Taipei, Chen Po Yen, secured a decisive victory over Hong Kong’s Ming Fai Tsoi, with a clean 3-0 score.

In Group B, Techo Master Narawit (THA) faced a tough challenge from Kim Gi Tae (KOR) and was defeated with a score of 3-0.

In Group C, Takeshi Takemori (JPN) exhibited his skills with a flawless 3-0 win over Chung Yan Leung (HKG).

Group D witnessed a dominant performance by Kim Chang Gi (KOR) as he swept to a 3-0 victory against Asano Takashi (JPN).

Group E featured a competitive match, with Wai Lok Wan (HKG) emerging victorious over Koya Kato (JPN) with a score of 3-1

In the Women’s singles Group A, Wada Natsuki (JPN) displayed her prowess as she swept to a convincing 3-0 victory over Jing Shiuan Li (TPE).

In Group B, Wong Ting Ting (HKG) engaged in a fierce contest with Ito Maki (JPN), ultimately securing a hard-fought 3-2 win.

Group C witnessed a dominant performance by Kanami Furukawa (JPN) as she clinched a decisive 3-0 victory over YangHee Seo (KOR).

In Group D, NG Mui Wui (HKG) exhibited her skills with a resounding 3-0 win over Li Lydia Yi-Ya (TPE).

Meanwhile, Mok Nui Yan (MAC) triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Deekam Phimolphan from Thailand, showcasing her talent on the table.

Schedule and live results can be accessed from Hangzhou 2022 website.

Australian Open 2024 PWII Championships invites entries from II1 athletes

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In a momentous stride towards celebrating diversity and providing equal opportunities, the Australian Open 2023 orchestrated its groundbreaking All Abilities Day on January 24th earlier this year, heralding an era of inclusivity.

After the resounding success of its debut, Tennis Australia proudly presents the Australian Open 2024 PWII Championships, heralding a significant comeback to Melbourne Park for the world’s elite competitors.

Tennis Australia warmly invites athletes of the II1 competition class to join the ranks of the Australian Open 2024, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.

The All Abilities Day stands as a testament to our commitment to recognizing the myriad inclusive facets of tennis. It beckons individuals with varying abilities, encompassing vision, hearing, mobility, sensory, and intellectual disabilities, to revel in the grandeur of the Australian Open within a secure and all-encompassing environment.

In the first edition, over 40 players with intellectual impairment from across 14 countries competed at the event, with Virtus elites Anna Mcbride, Hanne Laveryson, Kelly Wren, Fabrice Higgins, Mitchel James and Archie Graham making an appearance. Virtus hopes to see some new names and more entries in this edition.

“The Australian Open Championships for players with an Intellectual Impairment  provides a fantastic opportunity for our Virtus players to get high quality competition alongside the World’s top players who are competing in the Australian Open Grand Slam event”, says Lelsey Whitehead, Virtus Tennis director.

Sharing the same hallowed courts with tennis luminaries like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and many more is a profound morale-boost for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Scheduled from January 26th to 28th, 2024, these championships promise an unparalleled experience. With limited slots available, we urge all aspiring athletes to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and complete the online entry form by October 22, 2023.

Contact Tennis Australia at ‘[email protected]‘ for further details about tournament of visa related queries.

Key notes from Tennis Australia:

  • Completing the online entry form DOES NOT guarantee a spot into the event
  • Draw Sizes: 8 Men & 8 Women (top 6 based on VIRTUS singles rankings + 2 wildcards)
  • Acceptance lists will be communicated via email to all who entered
  • Detailed Fact Sheet will be shared with accepted players soon after the deadline

French President Emmanuel Macron praised GG2023 medalist at Paralympic Day celebration

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On Sunday, October 8th, the heart of Paris, Place de la Republique, witnessed tens of thousands of individuals embracing the world of Para sports. The event marked a significant celebration as Paris, with less than one year to go until the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, hosted a grand-scale Paralympic Day.

Eight French athletes supported by Fédération Française du Sport Adapté – FFSA, Charles Antoine Kouakou, Gloria Agblemagnon, Lucas Créange, Antoine Zhao, Timothé Ivaldi, Assya Maurin Espiau, Ceuzinha Gomez SA and Nathan Maillet became the flag bearer for athletes with intellectual impairments at the celebration.

Lucas Créange (on right) and French President Emmanuel Macron playing friendly match Photo Credit: French Paralympic Committee

Tokyo 2020 Bronze medalist, Lucas Créange engaged in a friendly match with the French President Emmanuel Macron and numerous other audience who came to experience the Paralympic Day in the french capital. Antoine Zhao and Timothé Ivaldi also played matches with the partner of the JOP Paris 2024 and Credit Cooperative of the BPCE group.

The President of the CPSF Marie Amélie Le Fur presented the Paris 2024 ticket to Gloria Agblemagnon and President of the Republic presented the same to Charles-Antoines Kouakou. Both will be competing in field and track events respectively at Paris 2024.

On October 9th, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the GG2023 medalists from the French team and the governing board of FFSA at the Palais de l’Elysée for a special meet and greet. President Macron praised and recognized the achievements of French athletes at the recent Virtus Global Games 2023, Vichy France.

The athletes also signed hundreds of autographs to audience of all ages who came to discover and cheers for the Paralympic athletes during the autograph sessions. A huge crowd enthusiastically gathered around athletes, eager to snap selfies and convey their excitement in anticipation of France’s inaugural summer Paralympics.

FFSA athletes with Paris 2014 mascot-Phryges Photo Credit: French Paralympic Committee

Paralympic Flame to originate in Stoke Mandeville for all forthcoming Paralympic Games

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As part of a thrilling global celebration of the Paralympic Day, the International Paralympic Committee made an exciting announcement. Stoke Mandeville, the historic birthplace of Paralympic sport, will play a vital role in all future Paralympic Torch Relays, commencing with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

This innovative concept, developed in collaboration between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), ParalympicsGB, and WheelPower, aims to elevate global awareness of the historical significance of Stoke Mandeville and the invaluable contributions made by Sir Ludwig Guttmann to the genesis and progression of the Paralympic Movement.

Stoke Mandeville, recently celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games, played a significant role in commencing the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay. Since the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, this historic birthplace of the Paralympic Movement has been the venue for Heritage Flame Lighting events at each Paralympic Games edition. The Heritage Flame kindled here has contributed to the creation of the Paralympic Flame in the host country.

In a tradition reminiscent of the Olympic Flame’s origin in Olympia, Greece, the plan now entails Stoke Mandeville as the birthplace of the Paralympic Flame, signifying the commencement of the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Stoke Mandeville initiates an exciting weekend of countdown celebrations for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. On October 8th, Paris hosted Paralympic Day at the Place de la République, featuring performances in 14 Para sports and the presence of numerous esteemed Paralympians. The Paralympic Day served as a prelude to the launch of Paralympic Games ticket sales, starting on October 9th, with 2.8 million tickets available without a ballot on the tickets.paris2024.org platform.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating,

“It is fitting that 75 years on from those historic first Stoke Mandeville Games and on the eve of ticket sales for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, we are announcing that Stoke Mandeville will play an even greater role in all future editions of the Paralympic Games.”

He continued, “The Paralympic Movement owes Stoke Mandeville and Sir Ludwig Guttmann a tremendous debt of gratitude. What began as a small-scale sport event in 1948 at the back of a rehabilitation hospital for 16 injured war veterans has now evolved into the world’s third-largest sporting event. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, 4,350 exceptional athletes from 180 countries will compete in 22 sports, with a cumulative global audience of 4.1 billion watching on TV.”

“Sir Ludwig Guttmann’s pioneering techniques revolutionized the world of sports, a value that remains at the core of the IPC today. With this innovative approach to flame lighting, we aim to pay tribute to the rich history of the Paralympic Movement while underscoring the remarkable evolution of the Paralympic Games since its inception in Rome, Italy, in 1960.

“Today, the Paralympic Games have grown into a spectacular sporting event, serving as the premier global platform that places individuals with disabilities at the forefront. The transformative legacies left by these Games, both in the host country and on a global scale, are genuinely impressive and play a pivotal role in advancing a more inclusive world for all.”

Athletes with Intellectual Impairment at Paralympic Games

Following the standard Paralympic Games in Madrid, Spain, the inaugural Paralympic Games for individuals with mental disabilities were conducted from September 15th to September 22nd. Athletes from over 70 countries competed at the games. Later, a demonstration programme for athletes with an intellectual impairment was included at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games.

Today, more than 150 athletes with an intellectual impairment compete in the Paralympic Games. In Tokyo 2020, new World and Paralympic records were established in eight of the eleven para-swimming events within the S14 class and in four out of the eight para-athletics events in the T20/F20 class.

About Stoke Mandeville and the Paralympic Movement

In 1944, responding to a request from the British Government, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann established a spinal injuries center at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Great Britain. Over time, what began as rehabilitation sport transformed into recreational and then competitive sport.

On July 29, 1948, coinciding with the Opening Ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games, Dr. Guttmann organized the inaugural competition for wheelchair athletes, known as the Stoke Mandeville Games. This historic event involved 16 injured servicemen and women participating in archery.

The Stoke Mandeville Games later evolved into the Paralympic Games, which made its debut in Rome, Italy, in 1960, featuring 319 athletes from 21 countries. Subsequently, these Games have been held every four years.

Guttmann’s legacy lives on through the Paralympic Movement, demonstrating his belief that individuals with disabilities can attain elite levels in sports while leveraging sports and physical activity to enhance their health and well-being.

Virtus Sport

France To Host 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championship

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment, is thrilled to announce that the 2024 VIRTUS World Tennis Championships will be hosted by France.

Scheduled to unfold from September 8th to 14th, this remarkable event will be impeccably organized by the Fédération Française du Sport Adapté (FFSA), a distinguished Virtus member organization within France.

The event will take place in the beautiful city of Annecy near the Auvergne- Rhone-Alpes region. With its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning lake views, creating a fairytale-like destination that captivates every visitor, Annecy offers a blend of cultural richness and natural splendour that promises a truly memorable travel experience.

Marc Truffaut, President of FFSA, expressed enthusiasm, stating,

“Tennis is a very popular sport in our country, and we are keen on developing it further for people with an intellectual impairment and bringing Virtus’s high-level competition for these athletes back to France is an incredible opportunity to do so.”

FFSA’s reputation for excellence shines brightly with its successful track record of orchestrating more than ten remarkable Virtus Sporting events over the past decade. Recall the unforgettable 2018 Virtus European Games and the remarkable 2023 Virtus Global Games. With this wealth of experience, the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships are poised to set new standards of sporting brilliance.

“It is wonderful news to see the World Tennis Championships in 2024 return to France. This competition will showcase the enormous talent of our athletes in II1, II2 and II3 categories and raise awareness of the opportunities available to elite athletes with an intellectual impairment,” says Virtus Tennis Director, Lesley Whitehead, who is also thrilled for the event.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) aims to strengthen partnerships with local and national tennis clubs to develop tennis programs tailored for people with intellectual impairments. This initiative will not only contribute to the growth of tennis but also discover new talents in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and France.

More information can be found on Virtus’ Event calendar.

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.