Day four of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games saw two events for athletes with intellectual impairment making their way to the Swimming and Athletics venue and Great Britain topped in both events, bringing a golden day for them.

ATH: World Record for Sabrina Fortune

In the F20 Women’s Shot-put, Sabrina Fortune of Great Britain delivered a stunning performance with a throw of 15.12m, breaking her own World Record set at Kobe 2024. This remarkable achievement turned her Rio 2016 bronze into a well-deserved gold. Sabrina dominated the event from her very first attempt and maintained her lead throughout the competition.

Sabrina Fortune posing with her gold medal. Photo Credit: Paralympics GB

Reflecting on her record-breaking throw, Sabrina said, “When I hit the World Record, I just wanted to jump up and down and celebrate, but then I remembered I had five more throws left and couldn’t do it yet.” I

Initially thinking she had thrown 14m, she was thrilled to be proven wrong when the result came up. “My coach wanted 15, so I hit a 15. I hope he’s happy now.”

Sabrina also shared the emotional significance of her journey: “Ever since I was a little girl, I didn’t expect my learning disability would allow me to compete on the world stage. It’s a crazy experience, and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.”

She described the stadium atmosphere as “magical” and “deafening,” admitting that she was initially scared but ultimately found the experience unforgettable. “Being able to do that clap at the end and getting everyone to join in was amazing.”

She dedicated her gold medal to her parents, who have supported her throughout her career: “They have been there all my life, pushing me to grow as an athlete and a person. I wasn’t able to speak until I was five or six, so this is crazy—to be able to speak to you and share this.”

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Meanwhile, French favourite Gloria Agblemagnon won her first Paralympic medal, a silver, overtaking Ecuador’s Poleth Mendes. Although Poleth led with a 14.31m throw from her first attempt, Gloria surpassed her with a 14.43m throw in the fourth round.

Expressing her joy, Gloria said, “I couldn’t be happier. I was really focused and told myself I was home, I’m strong, and I just needed to have a good first throw. The home crowd was incredible” I’m sending a message to those who do not believe in me. I heard a lot of people saying that there wouldn’t be any French woman on the podium, and this way I can send a good message.”

Poleth Mendes posing with her bronze medal at Paris 2024. @DeporteEc

SWI: Podium repeated from Tokyo 2020 for S14 Mixed relay

In Swimming, the most thrilling race among all the events, the 4x100m Freestyle Mixed Relay was underway.

The exciting mixed 4x100m freestyle relay S14 ended the fourth day of swimming competitions at the Paris La Defense Arena. The British team secured the gold medal with 03:43:05, winning the event for the second time.

In the morning, there weren’t heats because only five countries had participated in this race: Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Hong Kong and Japan.

Although Brazil was leading the race until the first 200m, the Britain team formed by William Ellard, Rhys Darbey, Poppy Maskill, and Olivia Newman-Baronius, in that order, only took the lead in the 200m, with Darbey. 

Team Great Britain relay team- Olivia Newman-Baronius, Poppy Maskill, Rhys Darbey and William Ellard on the podium. Photo Credit: Paralympic GB

The GB Paralympic swimming team shared their excitement after a series of strong performances. Will reflected on his race strategy, saying, “I came back and got exactly the same world record from yesterday.” Rhys emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting, “I was definitely trying to make as much room as I could for Poppy…I think we did a pretty good job.”

Poppy acknowledged the added pressure of competing in a relay, stating, “If you let yourself down, then you let yourself down, but if you let everyone down here, then you let more people down.” Olivia expressed her joy at seeing the team’s success, adding, “It felt really nice when I saw the one next to our name.”

The young team, with an average age of 18-19, is already looking ahead to LA2028, with Rhys saying, “I’ve got my 200 IM later this week, so just that being the first race and getting out of the way is quite a relief.” Will summed up their mindset, “Just recover…it’s all basically a mental game.”

The podium was identical to that of the Japanese capital three years ago with Australia in second (03:46:37sec) and Brazil in third (03:47:49) Americas Record.

Australian S14 Mixed relay team. Photo Credit: Queensland Academy Sport

Jack Ireland, Maddie McTernan, Ruby Storm and Benjamin Hance swam for the Australian team. Benjamin Hance was the last to swim for the Australian team. He finished in fourth place and overtook the Hong Kong and Brazilian teams to finish the race in second place.

Ben recounted how he had to step up against strong competition, saying, “There were a bunch of boys, and I thought, ‘Oh, here we go, this might be fun.”

Despite seeing competitors 25 to 30 meters ahead, Ben pushed hard and made an incredible comeback. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “I really want to know what my split was because if I went 50-point, that would be sick.” His determination and mindset helped him overcome the challenge, and he left the race with a strong finish and a sense of accomplishment.

(L-R) Brazilian Mixed relay team- Arthur Xavier, Gabriel Bandeira, Beatriz Carneiro and Ana Karolina Soares. Photo Credit: NPC Brazil

Brazil had Arthur Xavier, who is new to major events, and the experienced Gabriel Bandeira, Beatriz Carneiro and Ana Karolina Soares.

“It was completely different from Tokyo, where we didn’t have any public. I’m very happy with this team. Paris was really different. We weren’t afraid of the public screams, We felt stronger and went for it,” said Ana Karolina, who finished the relay for Brazil.

“I’m very happy. It’s my first time at the Paralympic Games and my first time in a relay too.  I gave it my all and was the first to go. I’ve been training a lot and I managed to lower my times“, said Arthur Xavier, 17 years old.

This Monday, it will be the turn of the 100m breaststroke SB14, which will have heats and finals, along with Round 1 for T20 Women’s 400m. 

Round of 16 matches for Class 11 Men’s and Women’s in table tennis will also kick-off from tomorrow.

Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairments, made a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with a dynamic 3-on-3 Basketball demonstration held at Club France Arena on August 29th and 30th. This event was designed to highlight the high-level basketball program Virtus offers for athletes with intellectual impairments while raising awareness about the challenges and potential of these athletes through the power of sports.

Organized in collaboration with the Fédération Française du Sport Adapté (FFSA) and the French Paralympic Committee, the demonstration showcased the incredible skills of athletes from Portugal, France, and Spain. These friendly matches provided a platform for athletes with intellectual impairments to shine in a team sports setting.

“It’s an honor for us to come here during the Paralympic Games and show the French people what we can do,” shared one of the Polish players, reflecting the pride and excitement felt by all participants.

Portuguese and French athletes engaging in a friendly match in Club France at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

While athletes with intellectual impairments have been competing in individual sports like athletics, swimming, and table tennis at the Paralympics, the absence of team sports for this group is still evident. Virtus is dedicated to changing this.

“The atmosphere here is incredible. Watching other sports like Para Swimming and wheelchair basketball inspired us. Competing at the Paralympic Games has always been our dream, and we hope it comes true one day,” said Portuguese player Fabio Soares, capturing the hopes of many athletes.

The event was not just about competition; it was also a chance for athletes to engage with the public, especially young fans. The players were seen engaging in fun dribbling and basket-scoring competitions with French people, especially children.

“My child loves basketball, and today’s event was a real treat. The athletes were so friendly and even taught him how to dribble properly,” said a parent whose eight-year-old son enjoyed the day’s activities.

Athlete engaging with children at Club France. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Wahlen

Jose Costa Pereira, Head of the Portuguese delegation, praised the event:

“Seeing 3×3 Basketball here in France during the Paralympic Games is a fantastic way to raise awareness and prove that athletes with intellectual impairments can compete fiercely in this sport.”

As the international teams return home, French athletes will continue to play friendly matches and engage with the public, keeping the spirit of inclusion and competition alive throughout the Games.

For the first time in Paralympic history, the Opening Ceremony was held under the open sky, with the historic Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees serving as a breathtaking backdrop. This unprecedented event set the stage for an unforgettable celebration as athletes from around the world marched through the heart of Paris.

Flagbearers from 168 delegations proudly paraded through the streets, cheered on by enthusiastic workers, volunteers, and the public. Former Paralympic swimmer Theo Curin led the way, driving a car adorned with the Phryge Mascot to Place De La Concorde.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and other distinguished guests.

The evening began with a captivating piano performance by Chilly Gonzales, leading into a powerful artistic showcase. On stage, 140 dancers representing the “Strict Society” and 16 performers with disabilities, known as the “Creative Gang,” performed in a dynamic display of movement. The theme, “Paradox,” explored the contrast between the rigid norms of the “Strict Society” and the vibrant individuality of the “Creative Gang,” highlighting the ongoing struggle for true inclusion in a society that often falls short.

As the performance reached its peak, Christine and the Queens delivered a moving rendition of Édith Piaf’s “Non, je ne regrette rien,” symbolizing the confrontation between the two groups and the broader societal push for inclusivity.

Phryges and dancers with disabilities captivated the audience at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS.

The Paris 2024 mascots then took centre stage, ushering in the Parade of Nations as athletes made their entrance in dazzling outfits. The celebration continued with dancers from the “Strict Society” performing to Lucky Love’s “My Ability,” emphasizing themes of self-expression and empowerment.

Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 described the Games as a ‘Paralympic Revolution.’ He praised the athletes as ‘courageous and determined,’ fighting to change perspectives on disabilities. Estanguet emphasized that there are no limits for these athletes, who are true champions. The crowd’s energy soared as he spoke, reflecting the powerful message of inclusion.

“Tonight the revolution is you the athlete like our ancestors. Like all the revolutions around the world, you have courage and determination. Like them, you fighting for a cause bigger than you and in your cause, your weapon is your performance, your records, your emotions and your unique life stories.”

Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, highlighted the significance of the Games, stating, “Starting tomorrow, every Paralympic event will unfold at France’s most iconic venues, where tradition meets modernity, perfectly reflecting the achievements of these remarkable athletes. This ceremony marks a new chapter in the Paralympic journey, celebrating the challenges these athletes have overcome and inspiring us to build a more inclusive world.”

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, addressed the athletes and dignitaries at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Hassan Wamwayi.

President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons said Paralympians at Paris 2024 are not just to participate, but to compete, win and smash world records.

“As we prepare with gates wide open, and open our minds wide. What you witness from paralympic athletes are abilities and skills that will surprise you. Level of resilience and determination that energises you and commandry that will inspire you.” 

“But the Paralympics are also here to do something far greater than personal glory they want equality and inclusion for themselves and the world’s 1.3 billion people with disabilities. Through their performance as Olympic athletes will challenge stigma alter attitudes and redefine the limits of what you think is possible.”

France Paralympic torchbearers, Charles-Antoine Kaoukou, Elodie Lorandi, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant and Nantenin Keita light the Paris 2024 Paralympic Cauldron at the Tuileries Gardens during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Paris, France. Wednesday 28 August 2024. Photo Credit: OIS/Lillie Yazdi.

Charles-Antoine Kaoukou who won the gold in T20 400m at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as among one of the five French torchbearers who lit the Paris 2024 Paralympic Cauldron at the Tuileries Gardens during the Opening Ceremony.

At Paris 2024, athletes with intellectual impairments will be competing in three sports: Para Athletics (T20 and F20), Para Swimming (S14), and Table Tennis (Class 11). A total of 157 athletes from 43 countries will participate in these events, with 75 male and 82 female athletes, marking the first time that the number of female competitors has surpassed their male counterparts.

This Paralympic Games, join our mission to make invisible impairment VISIBLE.

Watch the events where these athletes are competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Use #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #VirtusSport and Share-Like-Comment about the phenomenal Paralympians with intellectual impairment and make them VISIBLE. 

Gabriel Bandeira, a young and talented para swimmer from Brazil, has been making waves in the world of para-swimming with his remarkable performances. Bandeira is not only a Virtus Ambassador but also holds the title of a Paralympic – Virtus Global Games and World champion. Born in the countryside of São Paulo State, Indiatuba, Bandeira’s journey in the sport began when he was drawn to a swimming competition he witnessed.

Completely unaware of having an intellectual impairment, Bandeira was actually preparing to compete at the Olympic Games one day. However, he struggled with mainstream swimming training, finding it difficult to memorize and perform certain aspects. It was then that Luiz Candido, a coach from Indaiatuba, recognized Bandeira’s unique abilities and the difficulties he was facing and encouraged him to undergo medical testing, which eventually led to his classification as a para-athlete. The transition from Olympic to Paralympic training was a smooth one for Bandeira, as he finally found his place where he could truly be himself.  

“I felt embraced by the Paralympic Movement. It was a very peaceful and light process. I felt like I really could be myself. While I was training with the Olympic athletes, the coach gave the same instructions to the whole team and everybody followed them. But, in the Paralympics training, the coach pays attention to each swimmer according to their impairment. For example, he prints my training so that I don’t struggle with memorising it, he explains it carefully and depending on the situation he knows how to talk to me. When he gives constructive feedback to me, it takes me some time to process it and I can also be aggressive or very sad about it, and the coach stays very calm and patient with me the whole time whilst motivating me until I understand my fault so I do not drop my performance during the session and to improve it instead,” Bandeira told Virtus.  

His goal, which had been to compete in the Olympics since childhood, shifted to the Paralympic Games, a dream he realized and lived at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. 

Gabriel Bandeira at the 2023 Virtus Global Games competing in II1 50m Breaststroke and having a nap with his GG2023 medals and mascots. Photo Credit: Kellerman lens and Bandeira.

With an astounding debut on the international stage at the 2020 World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Portugal, this Brazilian athlete left an indelible mark on the sport. With six gold medals adorning his debut, Bandeira not only clinched victory but also shattered his own Americas records eight times throughout the event.  

Later, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the audience witnessed his brilliance as he secured gold in the 100m butterfly (with a Paralympic record), two silvers in 200m freestyle and 200m medley (America’s record) and one bronze in 4x100m freestyle relay (America’s record). Continuing his reign, Bandeira triumphed at the 2023 Parapan American Games with an impressive five gold medals. Bandeira later won eleven gold and three silver at the 2023 Virtus Global Games.

With each stroke, each victory, Bandeira’s legacy grows, inspiring a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars and redefine what’s possible in the world of Para swimming. 

When asked about his goals, Bandeira’s ambition shines through.  

“I want to swim in as many races as possible and win all the gold medals I can and have fun,” he says.  

His competitive spirit and self-motivation drive him to continuously push his limits and compete against his own performances. 

For aspiring young athletes, Bandeira’s advice is simple yet profound. 

“As a child, they need to have fun first, so in the end, the results can come easier. It will not be easy, but it will be natural.“ 

With his unwavering determination, remarkable talent, and the support of his family, Gabriel Bandeira has set his eyes on more gold medals and World Records at the upcoming Paralympic Games, in Paris 2024.  

Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Bandeira’s journey Visible. 

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT? 

Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.