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.

Fighting Forgetfulness: Bethany Firth’s Inspiring Journey in the Face of ’50 First Dates’-like Memory Issue

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Paralympic champion Bethany Firth OBE advocates for greater awareness of the “hidden disabilities” (intellectual impairments) and the challenges they bring, drawing parallels to the film “50 First Dates” due to her memory issue. The twenty-seven years old  S14 swimmer, Bethany faces difficulties in recalling some of her achievements in the pool due to her condition. In her interview with The Independent, Bethany talked about how intellectual impairment affects her day-to-day life.

“Some days I can remember stuff, some days I can’t,” said Bethany, likening her memory challenges to the film’s plot.

“It’s a bit like 50 First Dates – you don’t know what I am going to retain and what I’m not.”

Bethany acknowledges the difficulties it poses for her coach, Nelson Lindsay, who finds it challenging when she can’t recall previous drills.

“In everyday life, I struggle a bit with trust because I will see pictures of myself doing something and it is me but I can’t remember or I have no connection to that. There are just lots of little things that add up that people don’t notice because everyone just sees you as this normal person that can do everything,” she added, emphasizing the impact of intellectual impairment, which is invisible in nature on daily interactions.

Silver Medallist Bethany Firth GBR flaunting her Silver medal from S14 Women’s 200m Freestyle at Tokyo2020. Photo: OIS/Thomas Lovelock. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC

The Paralympian, known for her stellar achievements in swimming, burst onto the scene at London 2012, securing gold in the 100m backstroke for Ireland. She continued her success, amassing multiple Paralympic golds and silvers across Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 after switching to represent Great Britain.

Despite facing injuries over the years, Bethany remains focused on personal bests rather than medals.

“I haven’t PB’d since 2016. I’ve always had an injury. Last year I broke my foot, the year before that I had shoulder injuries,” she shared, emphasizing her dedication to improving her performance.

Bethany Firth won two gold, one silver and one bronze at the Manchester 2023 recently and was extremely happy with her overall performance.

Bethany’s story serves as a powerful reminder that understanding and empathy are essential for those dealing with hidden disabilities. She calls for more awareness and acceptance, stating,

“Hidden disabilities are so common nowadays. It’s a bit like mental health – you can’t see what’s going on in someone’s life, and people are very good at hiding it.”

With the aim to raise awareness of intellectual impairments and autism, Virtus launched #AthleteFirst campaign in March this year. One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to bring visibility to the ‘invisible’ impairments and make them better known to the general public.

If you or someone you know has an intellectual impairment or autism and wishes to share the inspiring story, feel free to reach out to ‘[email protected]‘.

Bennett Swims Out With Two World Titles From Manchester 2023

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The thrilling journey of the 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships came to a close in Manchester, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments. From triumphant World Champions defending their titles to welcoming new talents and witnessing new World Records, the past three days have been a whirlwind of action-packed races in the S14 class for athletes with intellectual impairment. Here are some final wraps from Manchester 2023:

Bennett takes two World Championship titles home

Canadian swimmer Nicholas Bennett reached the pinnacle of success at Manchester 2023 by clinching his second World Championship title. With a commanding lead of more than a body length, Bennett left his competition behind as he powered through the water and surged ahead of the pack. The 200m Individual Medley witnessed Bennett’s extraordinary performance, culminating in a triumphant gold medal win that placed him on top of the clouds of victory.

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“I gave it all in the pool and was trying to get the WR or get as close to it as possible,” Nicholas told Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Nicholas swam to victory winning his first World Championship title in the Men’s S14 200m freestyle with a time of 1:54.75. Coached by his sister Hayley Bennett, Nicholas gives credit for his improved timing to his sister’s coaching,

“She is incredibly hard on me but it’s from a place of love and also she wants the best for me. I trust her wholeheartedly and you can see the examples of her coaching, I just dropped a whole second of my best time. So it’s working amazingly.”

Sister coach played a giant role in Hayley in brother’s success and feel proud of him.

“He is doing super well. For him, this year has been all about going back to basic like technical stuff that maybe he hasn’t done too much in the last little bit but yeah, it’s been our primary focus,” says Hayley.

World Record for Australia

Australia emerged as the new champions of the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay in an exhilarating relay race, showcasing remarkable teamwork and determination. Benjamin Hance’s impressive backstroke leg set the pace, maintaining the lead as Jake Michell, Paige Leonhardt, and Madeleine McTernan continued to shine. The team set a new World Record time of 4:07.71, securing a significant victory over the host nation and Brazil, who secured second and third places respectively.

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Jessica-Jane Applegate, anchoring the British team and securing the Silver, shared her pride and emphasized the collective effort that contributed to the result. She mentioned, “It’s about how we come together as a team, and that time doesn’t reflect how good we are. I’m proud of everyone.”

Gold for Firth in 200m Individual Medley

Bethany Firth (GBR) showcased her unwavering determination, retaining her Women’s 200m Individual Medley title with a fantastic win over Japan’s Aira Kinoshita. Firth’s powerful backstroke leg, along with her compelling freestyle finish, earned her another well-deserved gold medal.

“This gold medal means so much, a lot of people don’t always see the work that goes on behind the scenes and I just want to thank all my support from back home, my coach, my family and my church,” Firth told British Swimming.

Reflecting on her victory, Firth expressed her gratitude and determination for future challenges, stating

“I really had to dig deep that last length and I think it makes the sport just so exciting when it’s like that but I’m just so happy I touched first. We’re working on a two-year program and this was a stepping stone on the journey so I’ve got a lot more to give come Paris next year.”

Yui-Lam wins first Gold for Hong Kong

An electrifying first 50m showcased Firth and Maskill turning within a mere tenth of a second of each other, occupying the first and second positions. Yui Lam Chan (HKG) was closely trailing, and as Maskill seemed to surge ahead in the second length, the swimmer from Hong Kong, China, responded to stay neck-and-neck. With a photo finish, Chan clinched victory by a mere two-hundredths of a second over Maskill.

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With a radiant smile and a heart full of happiness, Poppy Maskill added another world silver medal to her remarkable collection at the conclusion of Manchester 2023. Speaking with exuberance to British Swimming, Maskill expressed her elation and shared her awe as she looked up at the board and realized the magnitude of her achievement.

“I feel really really good – I’m so happy with that. When I looked up at the board I could just think ‘oh wow’. Being around the team has been good, they’ve all given me little bits of advice to help me and it’ll be nice to celebrate with them tonight.”

Firth, who added another medal to her impressive tally, highlighted the exhilaration of competing in a “fun” event that turned out to be a delightful victory. Her performance underscores the enduring spirit of competition and the boundless possibilities that await, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.

Gabriel Bandeira defends his Championship title

Gabriel Bandeira, a true powerhouse in the pool, claimed his first gold medal of the championship in the event he holds closest to his heart – the exhilarating 100m Butterfly. Demonstrating his exceptional prowess, Bandeira’s masterful butterfly strokes and a decisive turn propelled him to a commanding lead in the second 50 meters of the race.

With sheer determination and unmatched technique, Bandeira maintained his lead, showcasing his unwavering focus and unparalleled skill until he touched the wall in a triumphant finish

Hillhouse and Hance trailed closely behind Bandeira, earning their well-deserved spot on the podium.

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Full championship results can be accessed from Manchester 2023 website. 

Carneiro sisters shared the World Championship Podium For The First Time

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Emotions soared as the identical twins made history, standing side by side on the podium for the very first time. In the Women’s 100m Breaststroke, Debora glided towards her first World Championship title by just 0.61 seconds ahead of her twin sister, Beatriz.

“This is my first World Championships gold and to share the podium with my sister is a big emotion. We focused on this time of 1:15, we wrote it down in our notebooks and we got it,” Debora told WPS.

Despite competing in the same event for quite some time, this was the first time they shared the podium together, making it an unforgettable and heartwarming moment for both athletes and spectators.

The twins made a name for themselves at the 2023 Virtus Global Games by winning five golds and one silver each, with Debora winning an extra silver.

Debora and Beatriz Carneiro flaunting their Medals from Manchester 2023 (on left) and 2023 Global Games (on right). Photo Credit: World Para Swimming and Debora Carneiro.

Japanese ace swimmer stays unbeatable in Men’s 100m Breaststroke. Naohide Yamaguchi (JPN) and Nicholas Bennett (CAN), long-time rivals, battled fiercely in the pool, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. The reigning champion, Yamaguchi, delivered a stunning performance, outswimming Bennett with an impressive Championships Record time of 1:03.71.

 Australian breaststroker Jake Michel finished third by clocking 1:04.62 for Bronze.

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Great Britain’s Mixed S14 4x100m Freestyle Relay quartet, comprising William Ellard, Jessica-Jane Applegate, Poppy Maskill, and Jordan Catchpole, emerged victorious, securing Great Britain’s first relay medal of the competition. William Ellard’s strong start gave the team an early advantage, and Jessica-Jane Applegate held their position well despite competition from Hong Kong. Poppy Maskill’s impressive performance reclaimed the lead, and Jordan Catchpole’s anchor leg sealed the win, ensuring Britain retained the title for the third consecutive world championship.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to do this with the team, seeing Jordan close it out with an insane leg is incredible”, Applegate told British Swimming.

“I was a bit petrified about going out second as traditionally that’s been a male leg in our lineup, so I feel I got a bit excited, went out a bit quick and the last 50m was excruciating but we carried each other as a team which was great.”

Catchpole who scored his first medal from the relay added,

“I know what I’m capable of so I had confidence in myself diving in on that last leg that we’d get gold. I knew there’d be some strong anchor legs chasing me down but I knew we had it after the team put me in such a good position.”

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As the competition enters its final stretch, the host nation is setting the pace in the S14 events medal tally. With an impressive lead, all eyes are on them to see if they can maintain their position in the remaining three days of fierce competition or face a challenge from other talented athletes.

Jessica-Jane reclaims her World Championship title after 10 years at Manchester 2023

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The Manchester 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships is taking place at the Manchester Aquatics Centre from 31 July to 6 August 2023. It is the 11th edition of the World Para Swimming event and is being held in Great Britain for the third time.

Firth and Applegate dominated the race at the newly refurbished Manchester Aquatics Centre, exchanging the lead on the first and second turns as they approached the halfway mark. With the chasing pack close behind, they managed to maintain their lead down the third length, while Fiddes made her move, entering the fray with one turn left.

Despite strong challenges from their fellow Brits and other competitors, Applegate maintained her composure and touched the wall first, reclaiming her title after 10 long years. Firth and Fiddes secured the silver and bronze, respectively, marking a direct exchange of medals between last year’s event in Madeira. For Fiddes, it was her second bronze medal in as many years.

Applegate’s joy was evident as she celebrated her victory, and her words after the race further reflected her excitement and triumph. The opening day of the championship set the stage for a thrilling and competitive week of para-swimming in Manchester.

“I feel absolutely epic – it’s been such a tough season with back injuries and everything and so to come away with gold medal means everything,” Jessica told WPS.

“I have to admit, I didn’t have the greatest trials earlier this year so I felt lucky to be here, but I went away from those in March and absolutely crushed training – hand on heart I gave my training everything and I’m so glad that it’s paid off.”

“Confidence is not my forte but I was really pleased with my heats swim and thought if I can do that in the morning, I can go faster tonight. That last length was excruciating and I just had to push through the pain – I could see Bethany on that last 25m but I gave it everything and I couldn’t believe it when the cameras zoomed in on my face.”

British Women had another clean sweep of the podium in the 200m Backstroke. In a thrilling showdown, World Champion Bethany Firth faced tough competition from fellow swimmer Poppy Maskill, who made a strong surge towards the finish line. However, Firth’s determination prevailed, and she emerged victorious once again, retaining her title as the champion. Firth defended her title and set a new Championship record of 1:05.80 seconds. Georgia Sheffield grabbed the final spot.

The competition in the Men’s 200m Freestyle was extremely fierce as all three dominant swimmers charged towards the finish line together, treating spectators to an unforgettable spectacle. Canadian swimmer Nicholas Bennet (CAN) demonstrated his pro skills in the 200m Freestyle event, putting on an incredible display for the audience.

Nicholas claimed the gold medal with a remarkable time of 1:54.75, narrowly edging out Australian swimmer Jack Ireland (1:54.79) who finished just microseconds behind. British swimmer William Ellard (1:55.38) also put on a remarkable performance, earning the well-deserved bronze medal.

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The podium finishers from Madeira 2022’s 200m Backstroke event had a rematch at the Manchester 2023 Championships, but this time in the 100m Backstroke. Benjamin Hance from Australia (AUS) displayed his dominance by breaking his own championship record with an impressive time of 57.26 seconds, maintaining his undefeated streak.

Gabriel Bandeira of Great Britain (BRA) and Alexander Hillhouse from Denmark (DEN) engaged in a fierce battle, pushing each other to the limit. Ultimately, Gabriel secured the second position with a time of 59.05 seconds, edging out Alexander for the third spot on the podium. The competition was intense, making for an exhilarating event at the Championships.

2023 Virtus Open European Half Marathon & 10K Road Race Championships are coming to Portugal

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, is thrilled to announce that the 2023 Virtus Open European Half Marathon & 10K Road Race Championships will be hosted in Lisbon-Portugal. The event will take place from December 1st to 4th and will be organized by Associação Nacional de Desporto para Desenvolvimento Intelectual (ANDDI-PORTUGAL), Virtus member organisation in Portugal.

ANDDI-Portugal has a rich history of hosting various Virtus events since the 1990s, spanning sports including athletics (indoor and track and field, cross-country, and half-marathon), basketball, cycling, handball, futsal, football, indoor rowing, and table tennis.

This upcoming championship will mark the eighth time ANDDI have hosted a Virtus half-marathon competition. Their experience includes successfully hosting events like Azores 2021 amid Covid-19 restrictions and Viseu 2022 last year, showcasing their expertise in organizing such prestigious sporting events.

 

“We are very proud to host again a great event for Virtus the 2023 Open European Half Marathon, this time in the Portuguese capital, the beautiful city of Lisbon. For the first time ever in Virtus Half Marathons, the program of the event includes also a 10k Road Race Championship which will give additional opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment including the II2 group”, says José Costa Pereira, Virtus Europe Technical Director and ANDDI-Portugal President.

The event will turn out to be truly an inclusive event for all as the event will be part of the “Lisbon Discoveries Half Marathon” with thousands of participants.

For more information, visit Virtus Sports calendar.