For more than 40 years, Virtus has built a global movement where athletes with an intellectual disability can compete, excel and belong. At the heart of this journey is athletics – the largest sport in the Virtus programme – covering outdoor track and field, indoor athletics, cross country, road racing and the marathon.

Together, these disciplines provide a complete competition pathway for athletes of all abilities, across every environment and every stage of their sporting journey.

Since its earliest competitions in the 1980s, Virtus recognised athletics as one of the most accessible and inclusive sports. What began with traditional track and field events soon grew into a comprehensive athletics programme that reflects the full diversity of the sport.

Over the years, Virtus introduced Outdoor World Championships, Indoor Championships, Cross Country Championships, and road racing events, including the half-marathon, 10K and marathon. This expansion has allowed athletes with an intellectual disability to compete across the same range of disciplines as athletes in mainstream athletics.

A Legacy of International Competition

Athletics has been central to the Virtus movement since the organisation was founded. It has grown from standalone championships into one of the flagship sports at every Global Games edition.

Initially, competition was available for athletes in the II1 category. At the Brisbane 2019 Global Games, athletes in the II2 class (athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairments, such as Down syndrome) were added to the medal programme. This was followed by the introduction of the II3 class for athletes with autism at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France, creating even more opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.

Athletics made its Paralympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, alongside swimming and basketball. Today, athletes compete in the T20 400m and 1500m, and the F20 long jump and shot put events, showcasing the highest level of performance on the Paralympic stage.

Over the past four decades, Virtus has organised an impressive international competition calendar, including 12 Outdoor World Athletics Championships, 12 Indoor World Athletics Championships, 10 World Cross Country Championships and 11 World Half Marathon and 10K Championships.

These events have been hosted across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, bringing together athletes from an ever-growing number of nations and continually raising the standard of competition. Throughout its history, Virtus Athletics has provided consistent international competition opportunities, helping athletes develop, gain experience and prepare for success on both the Virtus and Paralympic stages.

Inspiring Champions

Virtus Athletics has produced generations of world-class athletes who have inspired millions through their achievements.

Poland’s Barbara Bieganowska-Zając and Karolina Kucharczyk, the USA’s Breanna Clark and Michael Brannigan, Portugal’s Lenine Cunha, India’s Deepthi Jeevanji, Türkiye’s Aysel Önder, Spain’s David Pineda, Malaysia’s Latif Romly, and Ukraine’s Maksym Koval are some of many athletes with an intellectual impairment who have reached the Paralympic podium.

Virtus has also celebrated outstanding champions across II2 and II3 eligibility groups. Athletes including Luca Venturelli (II3) from Italy, Sadie Graham-Mulvaney (II3) from Great Britain, Siarne Davis (II3) from Australia, Hugo Taheny (II2) from Australia, Chiara Zeni (II2) from Italy, and Kai Kameyama (II2) from Japan are some of many athletes who have broken world records, won multiple international titles and helped raise the standard of Virtus Athletics.

Together, these athletes represent far more than medals. They demonstrate the continued growth of athletics across sprinting, middle-distance, endurance and field events, inspiring future generations to believe in what is possible.

Looking Ahead

Virtus Athletics is defined not only by the range of events it offers, but by its commitment to fair competition, athlete-centred support and inclusive pathways across all eligibility groups — including the continued development of the II2 and II3 classes.

Looking ahead, Virtus remains committed to growing the programme further, increasing visibility for athletes across every discipline and expanding opportunities within the Paralympic Games.

As Virtus marks its 40th anniversary, we reflect on how far athletics has come – from those first competitions in the 1980s to a global programme that now spans every discipline the sport has to offer, reaching athletes across dozens of nations and every corner of the world. It is a legacy built not by one person or one moment, but by generations of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and member organisations who believed that athletes with an intellectual disability deserved a stage worthy of their talent. We thank every one of them for making this programme what it is today. Forty years on, Virtus Athletics continues to create opportunities, inspire excellence and open new pathways for future generations.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus athletics programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition – including the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027.

 Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

Virtus – the International Sport Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment is delighted to announce the second annual World Intellectual Disability Day, to be celebrated on 25 July 2026. 

World Intellectual Disability Day was established by Virtus in 2025 to raise awareness of intellectual disability, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to share their stories, achievements, aspirations, and contributions. It brings together individuals, families, organisations, educators, employers, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to inclusion, respect, and opportunity.

The 2026 theme, “This is Me – This is Us,” celebrates both individuality and belonging.

For many people with an intellectual disability, the challenges they face are often misunderstood because their disability is not ‘visible’. As a result, they are too often defined by the things they cannot do rather than being recognised for their talents, achievements, and potential. World Intellectual Disability Day provides an opportunity to change that narrative by ensuring people with an intellectual disability can tell their own stories and be celebrated for who they are.

It encourages people with an intellectual disability to share who they are, what they are proud of, and the goals and dreams that inspire them. It recognises the friendships, families, teams, schools, workplaces, and communities that support and empower people with an intellectual disability, highlighting the strength that comes from connection and belonging.

To mark the day, people around the world are invited to share short videos, photos, and stories on social media, highlighting their achievements, aspirations, and everyday experiences. Organisations, schools, sports clubs, workplaces, and community groups are also encouraged to join the celebration. A range of digital resources has been developed by Virtus to support participation and can be downloaded from the official campaign webpage.

This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it forms part of the 40th anniversary of Virtus, marking four decades of advancing inclusion and sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual disability. Since 1986, Virtus has helped create pathways for athletes to compete at the highest levels of international sport and has played a leading role in promoting recognition, respect, and excellence across the global intellectual disability community.

As Virtus celebrates this important milestone, World Intellectual Disability Day offers an opportunity to recognise the progress that has been made while continuing to advocate for a future where people with an intellectual disability are fully included, empowered, and valued in every aspect of society.

On 25 July, the world is invited to listen, learn, and celebrate.

This is Me – This is Us.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

Virtus is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Virtus Athletes’ Council, further strengthening athlete representation across the global Virtus movement.

Joining the Council are Alexander Nielsen (Denmark), Luca Venturelli (Italy), Selena Aguilar (ESP) and Olívia Kákosy (Hungary).

The four athletes will join existing Council members Haleigh Bates (USA), Dimitrios Arapoglou (Greece) and Madeleine McTernan (Australia) under the leadership of Chair Lenine Cunha (Portugal).

Their appointment continues the important work of the Virtus Athletes’ Council, a body established in 2025 to ensure athletes have a direct voice in shaping the future of the organisation.

The creation of the Council marked a historic milestone in Virtus’ 40-year journey. Since its foundation in 1986, Virtus has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete at the highest levels of international sport. The launch of the Athletes’ Council represented the next step in that evolution – moving beyond creating opportunities to compete and empowering athletes to actively influence the decisions that affect them.

The Council was officially launched during the 2025 Virtus General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, where Portuguese Paralympic medallist and Virtus Ambassador Lenine Cunha was appointed as its inaugural Chair.

“I want to raise awareness and motivate other athletes with an intellectual disability to compete at high-level sport through this council“, says Alexander.

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes in Virtus history, Lenine has won more than 260 international medals throughout his career and made history in 2024 by becoming the first athlete with an intellectual disability elected to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council.

(L-R) Virtus Athletes’ Council members: Selena Aguilar, Alexander Nielsen, Madeleine McTernan, Lenine Cunha, Olívia Kákosy, Luca Venturelli, Haleigh Bates and Dimitrios Arapoglou.

Launching the Council in Cairo, Lenine spoke passionately about the importance of athlete leadership and representation. For Lenine, the mission has always been clear: ensuring athletes with intellectual disabilities are represented not only on the field of play but also in the rooms where decisions are made.

“Being part of the Council taught me that true inclusion is not just a beautiful word – it is constant action. It is fighting to make sure that everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of the type of disability.”

The Athletes’ Council provides a formal platform for athletes to share ideas, contribute to strategic planning, raise concerns and help guide the future direction of Virtus. Through regular engagement with athletes across all regions and eligibility groups, the Council helps ensure that athlete experiences remain central to the organisation’s decision-making.

As Virtus reflects on four decades of progress, the Athletes’ Council stands as one of the most significant developments in its history. It reflects a commitment to listening to athletes, valuing their experiences and empowering them as leaders within the movement.

With the addition of Alexander Nielsen, Luca Venturelli and Olívia Kákosy, the Council continues to grow as a diverse and representative body that reflects the strength of the global Virtus community.

As we mark four decades of progress, opportunity and achievement, Virtus proudly celebrates the creation of the Athletes’ Council as one of the defining milestones of our 40-year journey. We thank our athlete leaders for stepping forward to represent their peers, challenge barriers and inspire change. Their commitment ensures that the voices, experiences and aspirations of athletes will continue to guide Virtus for generations to come.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

When Virtus launched – then known as the INAS-FMH – it was recognised that elite athletes with an intellectual disability lacked a pathway into high-level international competition. As part of the International Coordinating Committee (the collaboration that would later become the International Paralympic Committee), INAS-FMH grew quickly to provide high-level World and Regional Championships in a number of sports, including the 1st INAS Games in 1989 (held in Harnosand, Sweden), the first “Paralympic Games for Persons with a Mental Handicap” in Madrid in 1994 and in 1996, the Atlanta Paralympic Games. Athletes with an intellectual disability also competed in a demonstration programme at the 1998 Nagano Winter Paralympics.  

In these early years – and indeed until 2016 when additional eligibility groups were added to the competition programme – the organisation organised competition in just one eligibility group: for athletes with an intellectual disability.  

What is an intellectual disability? 

Intellectual disability is a type of neurological impairment. It usually occurs before or during birth, though it can also develop in early childhood or adolescence and affects a person’s cognitive and intellectual functioning. That can mean differences in memory, processing information, reacting quickly, and planning or working strategically. Like anyone else, people with intellectual disabilities have a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Cognitive functioning can significantly affect performance in sport, especially in areas such as tactics, pacing, decision-making under pressure, adjusting technique in real time, such as take-off points in jumping events and processing instructions or changes in strategy quickly.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (AAIDD) define an intellectual disability as a severe impairment in intellectual function (as defined by IQ) and everyday functioning (as defined by Adaptive Behaviour), where the disability is present before the age of 22. These 3 criteria form the basis of the Virtus eligibility criteria for athletes with an intellectual disability, commonly now referred to as the II1 group.  

Virtus manages the worldwide system of checking and reviewing applications for athletes wishing to compete in the II1 eligibility group. This is the first step in a process known as athlete classification, where athletes with similar impairments are grouped together to ensure fair sport.  

Around 2006 a comprehensive review of the eligibility process was initiated which led to many of the developments we still see today including the appointment of a global network of National Eligibility Officers (NEO’s) – volunteer psychologists based within Virtus member nations to manage the process at a country level, the formation of an international panel to check and scrutinise applications, and substantially tighter and more robust procedures including an appeals process.  

At a similar time, research began to understand and measure in a scientific way the impact of intellectual disability on sports performance. A collaboration between Virtus, International Sports Federations, the IPC and a number of universities, including KU Leuven in Belgium, ensured the process for athletes with an intellectual disability was compliant with the newly published IPC Classification Code.  

Over time, additional changes have been introduced to take the process online and to reflect changes to the international guidance published by WHO and AAIDD, and today the master list – the published database of eligible athletes – has grown to almost 10,000 athletes worldwide. Each year, the number of new applications grows, and in 2025, Virtus processed more than 700 new athlete applications.  

Opening doors to international competitions 

Today, athlete eligibility is central to everything Virtus does. Creating a fair and robust platform for elite competition has opened the doors for more than 500,000 athletes to access high-level sport competitions worldwide every year.  

Today, athletes compete in athletics (T20/F20), table tennis (class 11), and swimming (S14) at the Summer Paralympic Games, in addition to a Virtus programme covering more than 16 sports. 

As we enter our 40th year, Virtus thanks everyone who has helped develop and refine the athlete eligibility process and create a platform for international sport for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence since 1986 

At just 17 years old, Fernando Ehlers is already making waves on the international stage, not only for his performances in the pool but for the powerful story behind them.

Representing the United States, the young swimmer from Jacksonville, Florida, has already secured multiple silver medals at the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championship, Bangkok, demonstrating both talent and determination well beyond his years. Yet, it is his journey with autism and how he has embraced it that truly sets him apart.

Turning Diagnosis into Strength

Fernando was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, he has chosen to see it as an advantage.

With an IQ of 144, Fernando describes his mind as uniquely capable – highlighting heightened senses, strong awareness, and sharp focus as strengths that support his performance in sport.

“I don’t see autism as a disadvantage. I see it as an advantage,” he explains.

From enhanced sensory awareness in the water to a strong ability to focus, Fernando believes these traits give him an edge, particularly in swimming, where precision and feel are critical.

Fernando’s relationship with the water began naturally. What started as a simple enjoyment of being in the pool quickly developed into a passion. Over the past two years, his progress has accelerated rapidly. Through consistent training and dedication, he has grown into a competitive swimmer capable of performing on the international stage. Swimming, for Fernando, is more than just competition; it is a space where his strengths come to life.

Inspired by Greatness

Like many young athletes, Fernando looks up to role models who have paved the way. One of his biggest inspirations is Axel Parisot, a French swimmer with autism known for multiple world records. After being encouraged by his coach to study elite swimmers, Fernando discovered Parisot’s performances—and was immediately inspired. Watching him dominate races left a lasting impression.

“He was able to gap everyone by a mile. That’s really hard to do,” Fernando recalls.

Competing in the same events as his idol has been a defining experience. Rather than feeling intimidated, Fernando has used it as motivation – pushing himself to close the gap and improve with every race.

Behind Fernando’s success is a strong support system. He comes from a close-knit family of four and shares a special bond with his older brother, who is also a swimmer. His faith has also played an important role in shaping his mindset and resilience, helping him stay grounded as he navigates the challenges of elite sport.

Having a brother who shares similar experiences has further strengthened his perspective, reinforcing the belief that autism can bring strengths rather than limitations.

A Platform for Athletes with Autism

Fernando competes in the II3 classification, a category designed specifically for athletes with autism within the Virtus system.

He believes this platform is essential – not only for fair competition but for visibility.

“This gives us a chance to show what we can do,” he says.

For athletes who may not always find pathways in traditional systems, II3 provides an opportunity to compete against peers with similar experiences and showcase their abilities on a global stage.

Despite the pressures of competition, Fernando’s outlook remains refreshingly simple: stay calm, enjoy the process, and have fun.

“Remain calm, have fun, smile… that’s the whole point,” he says.

His advice to young athletes reflects his own journey – one built not only on discipline, but on positivity and self-belief.

Fernando’s ambitions extend far beyond medals. He hopes to become an ambassador for athletes with autism, raising awareness and helping create more opportunities – particularly in the United States. He dreams of seeing greater recognition for athletes in the II3 category and one day hearing his country’s anthem played as he stands on the podium.

More importantly, he wants to inspire others.

“I want to help swimmers get better and show what we can do,” he says.

Fernando Ehlers represents a new generation of athletes redefining what is possible. His journey – from diagnosis to international competition – demonstrates that autism is not a barrier to success, but can be a source of strength.

As Virtus celebrates 40 years, we shine a spotlight on athletes like Fernando Ehlers, inspired by role models such as Axel Parisot, who are doing more than chasing medals; they are paving the way for a more inclusive future in sport.

And at just 17, his story is only just beginning.