2022 Virtus General Assembly and conference held in Vichy, France

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The 2022 Virtus General Assembly took place last weekend in Vichy, France, marking a number significant moments for the Virtus family.

The weekend began with the first in-person meeting of the Virtus Governing Board since the before global pandemic.

This was followed by the launch of the #1YearToGo clock for the upcoming 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, in a ceremony hosted by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, a key partner in the event and a tour of the Games venues and facilities.

On 4th June, there was a one-day conference held with all members to discuss progress towards the Virtus strategic plan and to discuss the impact of covid-19 on Virtus and it’s members whilst on 5th June, the formal General Assembly took place.

More than 30 Virtus members were present in Vichy, whilst others joined online in the first ‘hybrid’ event of its kind within Virtus.

The Assembly returned Marc Truffaut as President for a further term, whilst new member organisations including World Karate Federation were also welcomed to the Virtus family.

Marc Truffaut re-elected to lead Virtus for the next term

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Marc Truffaut (FRA) has been elected Virtus President for a second term in elections held on 5th June in Vichy, France.

On his election, Marc thanked the members and looked to the challenge ahead.

“The world faces many difficulties at the moment, but Virtus will continue to strive for the inclusion of people with an intellectual impairment in society, using sport to create fair and more equal world. I am grateful to have this opportunity and thank the Virtus members for placing their faith in me once again.”

Also elected were Birol Aydin (TUR), Patrick Chan (HKG), Amal Mobadda (EGY), Barry Holman (USA) and Fausto Pereira (POR) who join existing members Robyn Smith (AUS), Humberto Ferreira (BRA), Hiro Taniguchi (JPN)

The Board comprises 9 elected members and 2 co-opted members (Prof Jan Burns – GBR and Ian Conyers – USA).

With the 2023 Global Games heading to France next year, Marc will play a major role in leading both Virtus and FFSA towards another grand edition of the pinnacle event where more than 1000 athletes are expected in the largest competition programme to date.

 

Group of people representing Virtus Global Games and La Region surround Lorri the Lorikeet mascot

One year to go until Global Games 2023 in Vichy France

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Group of people representing Virtus Global Games and La Region surround Lorri the Lorikeet mascot

Global Games 2023 Vichy France countdown to one year to go.

At a press conference today, at the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes Regional Council, in Lyon, Virtus Governing Board and members attended the one year to go countdown to the 2023 Virtus Global Games (GG2023).

The Virtus Global Games is the signature event for athletes with intellectual impairment to compete in the highest level, international multi-sport elite competition. Held every four years, GG2023 will be the sixth edition of the Games in Virtus’ 35-year history.

Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus and Fédération Française du Sport Adapte (FFSA), said the journey to reach the one year to go milestone, is made possible with the overwhelming support from the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes Regional Council.

Sandrine Chaix, vice-president of the Region in charge of social action and disability, congratulated the host committee.

“The Global Games are a fantastic opportunity for Vichy, our Region but also France to welcome on its territory of high-level athletes with invisible disabilities. We want to succeed a great mobilization of the public and regional actors so that these games are a unforgettable moment for all. You can count on my personal commitment, and that of the Region, to support this organization, its development and its ambitions. Our athletes deserve it so much! “

“I would like to thank the council and Ms Sandrine Chaix, Vice president of the Regional Council and delegate of social action and disability, for the funding and support to enable FFSA to bring the Virtus Global Games to the region,” Mr Truffaut said.

“For GG2023, we are expecting about 60 nations to bring about 1100 athletes and officials and will look to have about 400 volunteers to support the delivery of the competition in nine sport disciplines.”

“I am also appreciative of the knowledge and support from the previous team at GG2019 in Brisbane, and for bringing Lorri to be the GG2023 Mascot.”

Robyn Smith, Vice President of Virtus and CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia said the Virtus Global Games is more than elite competition, it is the way Virtus can support athletes with intellectual impairment to demonstrate their courage, character, excellence, and integrity.

“It is especially exciting to know that Lorri, who was the first mascot for Global Games in Brisbane in 2019, will continue to be part of the Virtus Games legacy,” Ms Smith said.

“Lorri was designed by a Brisbane school student to represent the excitement, colour, individuality, and inclusivity of the Global Games.”

“From the first moment Lorri came to life, people loved engaging with the mascot and Lorri is one of the most memorable experiences for the athletes also.”

The Virtus Global Games 2023 will be held in Vichy France from 4 -10 June 2023. In a year’s time, Lorri will proudly welcome athletes, their families, and friends from around the world to this beautiful region to compete against the best French athletes.

In attendance at the one year to go countdown launch were over 50 members from the Virtus community, including the Virtus governing board members, international federation members, and national member organisations representing every region.

Congratulations to everyone here involved in the planning of Global Games 2023.

For more information visit www.gg2023.org and follow on socials @virtus.sport to stay updated.

Swimming official training workshop completed in France

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The Virtus Swimming Committee recently ran training courses for swimming officials in France between 11th and 15th May, in conjunction with the Championnat de Natacion de Sport Adapte near Vichy, France.

During this period several French national officials undertook the Virtus Level 2 training, aimed at providing an improved awareness of officiating at a Virtus event, and developing officials as judges for Virtus for the future, especially the 2023 Global Games.

Following a pilot training session in France last December, a small number of Referee candidates were selected for the “international” judges training module, the Virtus Level 3 to run at the same time as the French championships.

This included a full day of “classroom” instruction covering details on the role and responsibilities of referee and control room supervisor, followed by 2 days of practical mentoring as referee and judge of stroke and then 2 days of observation and assessment by the Virtus Sport Director for Swimming.

After the training, four candidates were successful in achieving the necessary level – Bernard Berge, Agnes Brunet, Maryvonne Brault and Michel Picard.

Virtus Swimming Director- Dave Harman sais, “I would like to congratulate all the four technical officials who passed the international judges training. With the Virtus Global Games coming to France next year, these officials will play a significant role at the games and lead the poolside team. Some of the officials may be selected to assist at other major events in the future which will be of great help for the LOC’s.”

The Virtus Swimming Committee have developed a range of training modules for officials and for LOCs and volunteers and will be conducting more workshops in the future to include more officials to the experienced team of officials and to help LOCs in planning and managing events.

 

French players settle debts from Tokyo Paralympics at ITTF SQF French Para Open 2022

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The ITTF SQF French Para Open took place from 5th to 8th May in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. Several Tokyo Paralympic medalists including Florian Van Acker, Sam Von Einem, Maki Ito, Lea Ferney along with many others made their way to the tournament. Some interesting matches were witnessed by the crowd in the Class 11 category.

SINGLES RESULTS

 In Women’s section, Sayuri Mio (JPN) beat Mako Ito (JPN)  3-1 (8-11, 11-7,12-10, 15-13) in the semi-finals to enter the finals. Meanwhile, on another table, French paddler Lea Ferney repeated Tokyo semi-final history by thrashing Japan’s Kanami Furukawa by 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 1-11, 10-12) and confirmed her place in the finals. Both the finalist gave a tough competition to each other before Sayuri Mio succumbed to Lea Ferney’s smashes. Lea claimed the championship title in Women’s singles by 3-2 points.

In the Men’s section, Florian Van Acker from Belgium secured his place in the finals with an easy win over South Korea’s Tae Kim Gi with a score of 3-2. Meanwhile, a nerve wrecking match was staged by the Lucas Creange (FRA) and Sam Einem (AUS). Paralympic bronze medalist – Lucas and Silver medalist Sam Von, both draw swords on the table to secure their place in the finals. While the host player Lucas dominated the first two sets with 11-6, 11-8, Sam made fantastic comeback in the third and fourth set with 8-11, 10-12. However, it was a sad day for the two times Paralympic Silver medalist Sam Von Einem as he lost the last match by 5-11 to Lucas and couldn’t make it to the finals, and settled for Bronze.

Like the female counterpart, Lucas had a glorious victory in front of his home crowd and won the Gold with a smooth win over Belgium’s Florian Van by 3-0.

MIXED DOUBLES RESULTS

Two teams each from Japan and French entered the semifinals and showcased exciting matches. French players, Lea Ferney and Lucas Creange teamed up together for the mixed doubles and stayed undefeated. The power duos won both the quarterfinal and semifinal in the first three sets entering the finals. They continued their winning strokes in the finals and brought the Mixed Doubles title home too with a score of 3-1, placing Japan’s Koya Kato and Ito Maki in second.

With a little more than a year to go for the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, host nation’s players seems to be all set for the pinnacle event next year.

For full results on ITTF SQF French Para Open 2022, click here.

Virtus awarded with Social Inclusion Award 2021 by EJU

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Kerry Tansey receiving the award from Michal Vachun Jane Bridge- Vice President of EJU

The European Judo Union announced the 2021 Social Inclusion awards today in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Virtus and its Judo director – Kerry Tansey – were each awarded with the “Social Inclusion Award 2021” by the European Judo Union for ground breaking work in promoting adaptive and inclusive judo throughout Europe.

“I am so pleased to receive these awards on behalf of all the coaches in Europe and the World for the dedication and hard work to provide opportunities and pathways for our athletes with disabilities” says Kerry.

Kerry has enormous experience in the sport and has been leading the Virtus Judo committee since December 2019, driving forward her passion to grow judo for people with an intellectual impairment.

Kerry Tansey with Rowena Birch- President British Judo

Virtus President- Marc Truffaut said “ I would like to congratulate Kerry and all our judo group for winning these prestigious awards. We are very lucky and proud to have such passionate people and a dedicated leader as our Judo sport director. Kerry has always been very keen to create opportunities and pathways for judo players. Everyone in Virtus are very proud of her achievement.”

European Judo Union announced the creation of the ‘Adapted Judo Commission’ last year in June. The commission was formed to promote social inclusion in the community through the practice of judo.

 

Para Sailing World Championship ready to receive sailors from all countries

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Our partners at World Sailing have published the Para Sailing World Championship Notice of Race and entries are now invited from eligible sailors in any country.

The Para Sailing World Championship will be held at the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast, Australia, from 5 – 11 November 2022, as part of the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022.

The release of the Notice of Race signals the formal invitation to sailors and demonstrates the drive towards creating opportunities for participation and competition, increasing awareness of sailing amongst athletes with intellectual impairments, and offering a supportive environment.

The World Sailing and Virtus partnership was formed with the aim of working jointly to promote the global growth of sailing amongst athletes with intellectual impairment. Together with the delivery partners – Sport Inclusion Australia and Southport Yacht Club will bring the event to life in November 2022.

For athletes who want to compete in a Sailing World Championship, this is the opportunity to set sail to Brisbane Australia. A series of informational webinars will be held to inform clubs, coaches and sailors from 10th May 2022 on the entry and eligibility requirements.

The following organisations should be acknowledged for their collaboration to bring this major international event to the shores of the Gold Coast.

  • World Sailing – the International Federation for Sailing
  • Southport Yacht Club – the Organising Authority and host venue
  • Sport Inclusion Australia – the organisation delivering the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022
  • Virtus – the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments

Information on the webinars and to download the Notice of Race will be available on:

Organising Authority Southport Yacht Club website

OA Games 2022 website

To register for an information webinar contact [email protected]

Antonio Silva crosses the finish line in first place at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Championships

Two more athletics events confirmed for 2022 programme

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As the return to competition gathers pace, we are pleased to confirm two additions to the calendar for 2022.

2022 Virtus World Half Marathon Championship

In September, Viseu – Portugal will host the 2022 World Half Marathon Championships. The event takes place alongside a major local competition ensuring a large and competitive field. The event takes place on 11th September and preliminary details are available on calendar.

Virtus President, Marc Truffaut says, “We would like to congratulate members of ANDDI Portugal for winning the bid to host the this event for the fifth time, which itself is a testimony to their hard work, dedication and excellence towards the competition. They have hosted spectacular Virtus events in the past and we expect nothing less this time too.”

This will be the second consecutive World Half-Marathon hosted by Virtus Portugal-Associação Nacional de Desporto para Desenvolvimento Intelectual- (ANDDI Portugal). In addition, five out of nine Virtus World Half-Marathon have been hosted by Portugal successfully.

2022 Virtus World Cross Country Championship

In November, San Diego – USA will host the 2022 World Cross Country Championships (an event delayed from 2021). The world renowned course hosts the US National Cross Country Championships providing a fantastic opportunity for Virtus athletes together with an event for non-Virtus athletes. Preliminary details and the ‘intent to enter’ registration are available now from the Virtus calendar.

President of AWL, Mr. Barry Holman said, “We are very excited for the event. The emerging and high performing athletes with intellectual impairments (II) have historically been an underserved, underrepresented and marginalized athlete population in the United States and this event aims to generate awareness and exposure to high performing II athletes and serve to engage the San Diego area community.”

The competition will the first Virtus event to be hosted in California. With six years to go for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, the 2022 Virtus World Cross Country Championship will play a major role in creating awareness towards elite sporting events for athletes with intellectual impairments in California and USA.

With the last two years heavily impacted by the global pandemic, we urge all member organisations to get behind these fantastic events and look forward to seeing Virtus athletes once again taking the podium in international competition.

Virtus launches search for 2027 Global Games and 2026 Regional Games hosts

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The bid process to identify the host of the 7th Virtus Global Games, to be held in 2027, have been declared open. Simultaneously, the search to find the hosts of the 2026 Regional Games in Americas and Asia/Oceania also began.

With a little more than a year to go to the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy – France, the Games Committee opened the bid process with the aim to announce the winning bid during the closing ceremony in France.


Virtus General Secretary and Games Committee Chairperson, Mr. Barry Holman said, “We are excited to receive bids for the 2027 Virtus Global Games. The Global Games showcase the courage, character, excellence and integrity of the more than 1000 athletes from over 50 countries we expect to gather for competition in 2027. We welcome all bids and stand ready to assist bidders in the process.”

The Virtus Global Games are the pinnacle event for the elite athletes with an intellectual impairment and is conducted every four years, in the preceding year the Paralympics. The 2027 Global Games will be the seventh edition of the games, the first one being held in Bollnas, Sweden, in 2004.

The Virtus Regional Games are a new addition to the Virtus calendar in recent years, and create a pathway to the Global Games. Many athletes have made their major debut at the Global Games and have gone on to winning Paralympic medals.

The 2027 Virtus Global Games will provide an international platform for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment on the journey to LA2028.

Interested Virtus Member Organisations have until 30th June to submit their expression of interest, with full bids being due by 28th February 2023, whilst bids for Regional Games are due no later than 30th November 2022.

Details of the bid process and event specification can be found here.

SIVUS India and Virtus Asia to organise webinar on athlete eligibility

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SIVUS INDIA with VIRTUS ASIA is organising a webinar on eligibility for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

The aim and objective of the webinar is to highlight, create awareness and educate about the importance and procedure of eligibility in Virtus and parasport and will feature presentations by Virtus Head of Eligibility, Prof. Jan Burns MBE.

Eligibility is a critical component of the classification process and the webinar will help and guide athletes, parents, special educators, coaches and professionals to understand the process.

It takes place over two days – 17th and 18th March from 2:30pm to 5:30pm IST (GMT +5:30)

Day 1: 17th March- Parents, Siblings, Volunteers kindly register for Day one.

Day 2: 18th March- Professionals (Psychologists, Special Educators, Coaches)

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS-

  1. Virtus Head of Eligibility- Prof. Jan Burns
  2. CEO of SIVUS India- Mr. Aaron Benjamin

Link for Registration – www.sivusindia.org/#webinar

*Note- If a parent is also a special educator/psychologist/coach, they can register for Day two as well.

The webinar is open to all for registration.

If you have any questions, kindly write to [email protected] before the 18th of March, 2022 and they will address the questions in the webinar.