2025 Virtus World Equestrian Para-Dressage Championships Concludes With Unforgettable Days In Winchester, UK

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The 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships officially opened on 23rd July at the Sparsholt Equine Centre in Winchester, welcoming 24 athletes from six countries: Great Britain, Spain, Germany, Australia, France, and Portugal, for two exciting days of para-dressage competition.

Riders, officials, coaches, and supporters gathered for a warm and joyful opening ceremony, hosted by Virtus and Sparsholt College. The event was attended by Hannah Ward (Equine Centre Manager), Uta Rindfleisch-Wu (Virtus Sports Director) and the Virtus Para-Dressage Committee.

Hannah Ward (Equine Centre Manager) gave a welcome to all teams, noting the pride the Sparsholt community feels in hosting the championship:

“It gives me such great pleasure to see you all here today looking so happy and smart in your team clothing.”

“The horses deserve a special mention, what amazing animals! Their generous spirit gives us the true enjoyment of dressage,” she further added.

The championship continued over the next two days, with individual and team events. With warm welcomes, focused athletes, and extraordinary horses, the 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships are officially underway.

Great Britain is dominating the podium in II1 Intermediate. (L-R) Jessica Limb, Danielle curzon and Harriet moore. Photo credit: Kevin Sparrow

Great Britain Leads the Way: Team Great Britain had an amazing two days. On July 24th, Christopher Bradley earned a top score of 72.56% in the II1 category. Danielle Curzon followed with 74.86% in the II3, Harriet Moore earned 70.18% II3, and Daisy Britnell also did well, earning 62.47% II1. The final team score was 217.60%. The team secured a Gold medal. Second day, on July 25th, Great Britain had a big success again when Danielle Curzon, Jessica Limb, and Harriet Moore won all three top places in the II3 Intermediate A class: Danielle Curzon – 75.32% (Gold), Jessica Limb – 72.10% (Silver), Harriet Moore – 71.25%(Bronze). Christopher Bradley also won a Gold medal in the II1 Intermediate-A class with another great ride and a final score of 70.39%.

Australia shows strength: Team Australia also had many good performances. Catherine Viney scored 70.25% in II1, and Bel Dabic earned 70.50% in II3. Chole Karsten earned 67.81% in II2, and Luke Portillo did well with 64.33% II1. The final Team result is 208.56% securing a silver medal. The big highlight was Chloe Karsten, who won gold in the II2 class with a score of 68.01%.

(L-R) Jaycen Schlesinger, Chole Karsten and Alejandro Espejo receiving their well-deserved medal from II2 Grade III Individual-B

Germany in the top three: Germany’s team was strong and consistent. Jaycen Schlesinger won silver in the II2 class with a score of 63.06%. And the Team results are Tatjana Raible scored 64.17% in II1, Janine Schwirlblat scored 62.58% in II1, Jaycen Schlesinger scored 63.13% in II2, and Florian Kaplirz su Sulewicz also gave great performances, scoring 59.20 % in II2 class. The final score was 189.88%. Germany’s combined scores helped them win the team bronze overall.

Historic medal for France: This year, France was proudly represented by Laurie Descoutere, who competed in the II1 Intermediate A class and earned a silver medal with a strong score of 69.80%. As the only French athlete at the event, her performance was a powerful example of dedication and talent, and a proud moment for her country.

Spain joins the medal table: Spain also made its mark at Sparsholt with a strong performance from Alejandro Espejo in the II2 category. He earned a Bronze medal with a final score of 59.79% in the Grade III Individual B. His calm, focused performance was warmly celebrated by the audience and showcased the growing strength of para-dressage in Spain.

Portugal makes its debut: Portugal had something special to celebrate this year. Hugo Almeida, the country’s first-ever Virtus equestrian para-dressage athlete, competed in the II1 category, proudly representing Portugal at the Virtus World Equestrian Championship. While he did not finish on the podium, his presence marked an exciting and important milestone. His participation shows that the sport is growing, and it opens the door for more Portuguese riders in the future.

At the end of the event, a special prize-giving ceremony took place. The judges and Virtus Sports Director Uta Rindfleisch-Wu gave medals to the riders. Everyone cheered and clapped as the winners stood proudly.

The event also included a special moment on July 25th, the International Day for People with Intellectual Impairment. Everyone joined together and celebrated and said:

“We see you. We celebrate you.”

This year’s Virtus equestrian Para-Dressage Championships were filled with friendship, talent, and joy. Riders, horses, families, and fans made it a truly special experience. The memories will stay with us for a long time.

Virtus Launches International Day for People with an Intellectual Impairment with Global Success

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25 July 2025 will forever stand as a historic moment for Virtus — a day that marked the official global launch of the International Day for People with an Intellectual Impairment (IDPwII). The digital celebration resonated across continents, uniting voices in a powerful call for visibility, recognition, and inclusion.

The day saw overwhelming participation from Virtus members worldwide, with support pouring in from International Federations, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and regional and national Paralympic committees — all joining virtually to mark the beginning of a bold new movement.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, praised the initiative and underscored its importance:

“I just want to congratulate Virtus for the launch of the International Day for People with an Intellectual Impairment. It is so important to have one day to celebrate the achievements of this population, especially when we talk about Paralympic sport and Para sport. Athletes with an intellectual impairment are at the heart of the Paralympic movement, so to celebrate this day, the 25th of July, it’s just an incredible feeling. Congratulations.”

Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus, echoed that sentiment with conviction:

“We really needed this day. One day, dedicated to people with an intellectual impairment, when they can celebrate their achievements and feel proud. It’s time that this community gets the light and recognition they deserve.”

“Virtus has a huge workforce of volunteers who are the backbone of this organisation. And it was truly an inspiring experience for everyone. On behalf of Virtus, I want to thank everyone who joined us in the launch of this global observance day and made it a grand success,” he further added. 

Virtus members from around the world expressed their joy in celebrating the day:

“Our social media platforms were flooded with joyful images of our athletes celebrating across the country. But beyond the celebrations, we could see the power of this day to show the world the strength and spirit of our athletes. It was truly an inspiring experience for all of us — one that reminded us why we do what we do, and how sport has the power to unite, uplift, and give purpose,” said Ebrahiem Ahmed,  official from ESFID, Virtus member in Egypt.

The launch timing aligned with two major events — the 2025 Virtus World Para Dressage Championship in Sparsholt and the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul — further amplifying the global reach and significance of the day.

Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Mousumi Mazumdar, Marketing and Communication Officer at Virtus, shared:

“When we decided to launch IDPwII digitally, we were a little anxious as you cannot anticipate the level of participation. But, we were thrilled to see such a fantastic response from all our members, IFs, IPC, NPCs and most importantly, the athletes. Our social media channels got flooded with amazing content from around the world. We could see how eagerly our community was waiting for this day. We can only imagine how big the future editions will get and the impact of this day on millions of people who are living with an intellectual impairment around the world.”

Looking ahead, Virtus envisions the International Day for People with an Intellectual Impairment as a powerful annual platform — one that will not only celebrate, but also spotlight the challenges this community faces. From raising awareness and breaking down barriers, to challenging and changing perceptions and building a truly inclusive world — IDPwII is here to lead the way.

Loughborough University Awards Honorary Degree To Jessica-Jane Applegate For Her Outstanding Sporting Achivements

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Jessica-Jane Applegate, a Virtus Ambassador and seven-time Paralympic medallist, was awarded an honorary degree by Loughborough University for her remarkable achievements and contributions to disability sports.

She made history at the London 2012 Paralympics by winning gold in a Games record time, and continued her success with three medals at Rio 2016 (two silver, one bronze) and another trio at Tokyo 2020 (one gold, two bronze).

Her international accolades also include 10 World Championship medals (three gold, five silver, two bronze), five European Championship medals (three silver, two bronze), and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In recognition of her services to swimming, she was also awarded the ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ – MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours.

“I’m incredibly proud to receive this honour from Loughborough University. Over half of my life has been dedicated to my sport. Not just being recognised with someone with a disability, but to be recognised with someone who has a hidden disability means the absolute world to me.”

Beyond the pool, Jessica-Jane has become a prominent advocate for neurodiversity, using her platform to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

“My non-sporting achievement is campaigning for learning disability and neurodiversity. I went to Parliament twice to highlight the fact that female athletes with a learning disability were not allowed to compete in the Commonwealth Games, where male athletes were. In 2022, female athletes with a learning disability were able to compete, where I was able to compete.”

“I didn’t do this for myself; I did it for campaigning, for inclusion. So I wanted the world to be better. I wanted athletes to have something to aspire to. I also like to break stigma around stereotypes towards people with a learning disability and neurodiversity. People think that if you have a learning disability, you can’t. The truth is, you can. You may take longer, but you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.”

“Sport has changed my life, and I’ve always tried to use my journey to advocate for others with neurodiversity and unseen disabilities. I hope this inspires the next generation to know that there is no limit to what they can achieve.”

Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, praised Jessica on receiving the degree:

“Jessica-Jane’s career has defined sporting excellence that is built on resilience, talent, and an unwavering dedication to achieving incredible results.”

“Beyond the medals and milestones, their commitment to inclusivity and creating pathways for others truly sets her apart. We are thrilled to award Jessica honorary degrees from Loughborough University.”

Virtus congratulates Jessica-Jane for this extraordinary achievement.

Virtus and FIS Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding To Advance Inclusion In Winter Sports

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The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Virtus, the International Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration and promote greater inclusion in winter sports.

Effective from June 25, the MoU marks a significant step toward integrating athletes with intellectual impairments into Alpine and Cross-Country skiing disciplines at the highest levels of competition, including the Paralympic Winter Games.

Through this agreement, FIS and Virtus commit to a closer technical partnership, focusing on:

  • Supporting the inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairments in the Paralympic Winter Games, potentially as early as 2030.
  • Promoting Virtus within the FIS community and among its member federations.
  • Enhancing technical support for Virtus-endorsed events, including the use of FIS-homologated courses and FIS Technical Delegates.
  • Collaborating on timing, data management, and the development of international competition rules.
  • Assisting Virtus in finalizing a robust sports classification system for athletes with intellectual impairments.

To facilitate this cooperation, a joint Virtus–FIS Working Group will be established, serving as a technical liaison and reporting to the FIS Para Snow Sports Committee.

“We are truly delighted with this positive step to sign an MoU between Virtus and FIS, signaling further collaboration between our two organizations and a pathway for athletes with an intellectual impairment into FIS events and the Winter Paralympics,” said Barry Holman, Secretary General of Virtus.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and the continued evolution of winter sports on the global stage, as FIS President, Johan Eliasch, highlighted:

“This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility in snow sports. By working together with Virtus, we are proud to support the development of new pathways for athletes with intellectual impairments, helping to ensure that talent and passion for winter sport can thrive at all levels.”

Australia Clinches Gold as VIBF Basketball Championship Wraps Up in Spectacular Fashion

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The final day of the VIBF Basketball Championship brought the tournament to a thrilling conclusion, with both the gold and bronze medal matches delivering intense competition and memorable performances on the court.

In the men’s gold medal match, Australia demonstrated their dominance with a powerful performance against Portugal, securing the championship title with a convincing 114–85 victory. Australia came out strong in the first quarter, quickly establishing control and taking a 30–20 lead. By halftime, Portugal had managed to reduce the gap slightly, but Australia still held a solid 58–47 advantage.

Australian player attempting to score during the finals against Portugal. Photo Credit: IDSport

As the second half unfolded, Australia’s energy and offensive rhythm only intensified. Australians increased the score lead to 89-64 by the end of the third quarter. Their relentless pressure and consistent execution saw them pull further ahead, and by the final buzzer, they had sealed the win in a spectacular fashion. It was a fitting end to an impressive and undefeated campaign, as Australia claimed the gold medal and lifted the championship trophy.

Japanese player caught in action while scoring a basket at the bronze medal match against Spain. Photo credit: IDSport

Earlier in the day, Japan took on Spain in the bronze medal match and delivered a commanding performance to earn their place on the podium. Japan wasted no time asserting itself, racing to a 34–11 lead in the first quarter. Their pace and precision continued through the second quarter, extending their lead to 62–28 at halftime. Spain struggled to keep up with Japan’s tempo, and despite a few moments of pushback in the third, Japan maintained control and led 82–50 heading into the final period. With confidence and consistency, Japan closed out the match 107–73, securing the bronze medal in style.

As the curtain falls on the 2025 VIBF Basketball Championship, the final standings reflect the outstanding effort and sportsmanship shown throughout the tournament. Australia takes home gold, Portugal finishes with silver, Japan earns bronze, and Spain claims a strong fourth-place finish.

The championship ends on a high, celebrating excellence, unity, and the power of international sport. Congratulations to all the athletes and teams for a phenomenal competition.

Full results can be accessed from here.

Australia and Portugal To Go Head-To-Head In The Finals VIBF 5×5 World Basketball Championship

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The fourth day of the VIBF Basketball Championship brought fans to their feet with an exciting lineup of semifinal matches, as the remaining teams fought for a place in the men’s gold medal game.

In the first semi-final, Australia defeated Spain with a score of 109–37. The Australian squad displayed exceptional teamwork, sharp shooting, and relentless defence, making it clear they are strong contenders for the title.

In the second semi-final, Portugal and Japan faced off in a tightly contested game filled with fast breaks, sharp passing, and intense pressure on both ends of the court. In the end, Portugal secured the win with a final score of 83–74, earning their spot in the championship final.

With just one day left in the competition, all eyes are now on the final matchups:
Bronze Medal Match: Japan vs Spain

Both teams will be fighting hard for a podium finish and the pride of taking home a medal.

Gold Medal Match: Australia  vs Portugal 

A clash between Australia’s explosive offense and Portugal’s well-rounded resilience — this promises to be a thrilling finale.

Fans can expect a day of passion, determination, and high-level basketball as the teams leave everything on the court in pursuit of glory. Stay tuned for the final results and highlights from what’s set to be an unforgettable conclusion to the VIBF Championship.

Australia Wins Women’s 5×5 Basketball Gold in Astana

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The women’s 5×5 basketball competition at the 2025 VIBF World Basketball Championships wrapped up in Astana, Kazakhstan, with Australia winning the gold medal after three well-played matches against a developing Spanish team.

The Australian Pearls, known for their strong team culture and experience, secured the series with scores of 100–21, 107–24, and 84–19. While the results show a clear win, both teams gained something meaningful from the tournament—experience, growth and pride in representing their countries.

Every Player Contributed

The Australian team worked hard across the tournament and showed why they are considered one of the strongest women’s programs in the world. Their teamwork, communication and preparation paid off. Each athlete played their part on and off the court.

Brittany Anderson, from New South Wales, was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the women’s competition.

“I feel really privileged to get that award. It means a lot to me.” Brittany said.

Team member Taylor Anderson also added:

“We’d like to thank everyone back in Victoria who supported us—our coaches, families, friends, and the Pearls community.”

A First-Time Experience for Some

For Jayne Brownlee, it was extra special—she was the only player from South Australia.

“Practice, work hard and you’ll get there. I had a lot of people help me train. Especially my mum. This medal is for everyone who supported me.”

“We wanted to finish the tournament strong, and we did. Everyone got minutes, shared the ball, and played for each other. It was a true team game.”

Australian and Spanish players in action at the gold medal match. Photo Credit: IDSport

Spain’s Return Inspires All

Team Spain’s return to women’s competition was one of the tournament’s most uplifting stories. After several years away from international play, Spain arrived ready to learn, grow, and represent.

“It was great to see the whole Spanish team—including staff—embrace every learning opportunity. This tournament wasn’t just about games. For many of them, it was their first time overseas. In Astana—a foreign place—they got to see and enjoy the world because of basketball”, said Barry Holman, VIBF Committee Member.

“They played with heart and improved every match. More importantly, they learned what it means to represent their country with professionalism, pride and resilience”, he further added.

The Australian coaching team echoed this:

“Spain improved with every game. It’s the beginning of something meaningful. We’re already in talks about how we can help support the growth of their program going forward.”

Decades of Progress, and a Future of Possibility

Team Australia’s women’s program is now a global benchmark—but that success didn’t happen overnight.

“We’ve had three decades of building this. We remember when we had to fight for opportunities. Now we’re a model for others—not because of medals, but because of our commitment to the athletes,” a team official told Virtus.

“This has been one of the best tournaments we’ve ever attended. The organising committee, the hospitality, the local support—it’s been exceptional.”

And their message to other countries just starting their women’s programs?

“Stick with it. It won’t always be easy. But these athletes gain more than medals—they gain confidence, independence, and a chance to explore the world. It changes lives.”

A Movement in Motion

The 2025 Women’s 5×5 Championships weren’t just a victory for Australia—they were a victory for the global movement for inclusion through basketball. Every match played was a story of resilience, sisterhood, and empowerment. The future of women’s basketball in Virtus is no longer just an ambition—it’s a reality in action.

Up Next: Men’s 5×5 Finals – Saturday, 21 June

Bronze Medal Match – 10:00 AM

Gold Medal Match – 12:15 PM

Watch live and be part of the next chapter in inclusive sport.

VIBF 5×5 World Basketball Championships Kicks Off At Astana, Kazakhstan

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The first day of the VIBF 5×5 World Basketball Championships delivered a strong start to this important format of inclusive basketball, where passion met precision on the court. While 3×3 basketball is on its path toward Paralympic re-inclusion, the 5×5 format remains a critical and evolving platform, offering athletes with an intellectual impairment a chance to compete under full FIBA rules, embracing the strategy, structure and stamina that define the traditional game.
Today’s matches showcased a different rhythm and intensity. With more structured play and on-court communication, teams relied on strategy as much as speed, pushing end-to-end with purpose and coordination. Every possession mattered.

Australia and Spain at the VIBF World 5×5 Basketball Championship. Photo Credit: IDSport

Australia dominated both the men’s and women’s games with strong performances (Men: 155–30 over Spain; Women: 100–21 over Spain). Japan and Portugal played a thrilling men’s encounter, with Japan edging out a 5-point win (84–79) in a game marked by tactical shifts and terrific teamwork. These matches weren’t just about scoring — they were about reading the game, adjusting plays and responding as a unit.
“We have seen some terrific teamwork and strong team performances in today’s games.  It is a pleasure to watch the hard work by teams in their preparation coming to fruition in these championships.  I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s games.”  Tony Guihot, Technical Director, Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF)
VIBF’s commitment to the development of both formats — 3×3 and 5×5 — ensures that more athletes have pathways to compete, grow, and shine. With every game, VIBF is not just building competition — it’s building the future of inclusive basketball.
Full results can be accessed from here.

Double Victory For Australia, Win’s Both Men’s and Woemn’s VIBF 3×3 Basketball Champships Title

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The Triathlon Park in Astana came alive with energy and excitement as the inaugural VIBF 3×3 Basketball Championships delivered a thrilling showcase of athleticism, skill, and international spirit. Teams from around the world battled it out in a heated competition for the first-ever titles.

In the Men’s II1 bronze medal match, Portugal Red and Australia Gold ignited the court with fast-paced action and dazzling moves. Both squads kept the pressure high, but Portugal edged out Australia with a 21–17 victory to claim third place on the podium.

Portugal Red Vs Australia Gold fighting for the bronze medal at the VIBF World 3×3 Basketball Championship. Photo Credit: IDSport

The Men’s gold medal final saw Australia Green go head-to-head with France in a high-stakes contest. Australia emerged victorious, securing the top spot in the tournament.

In the Women’s division, the gold medal match was an all-Australian affair, with Australia Green dominating their compatriots from Australia Gold. The Green team’s sharp plays and relentless pressure resulted in a commanding 21–7 win, sealing the first-place finish.

Australia Green Vs Australia Gold fighting for Gold medal at VIBF World 3×3 Basketball Championship. Photo Credit: IDSport

The bronze medal clash in the women’s bracket featured Japan against France. Despite France showing moments of strong momentum, Japan’s precision and exceptional teamwork proved too much to handle. Japan clinched the bronze medal with a decisive 22–13 win, demonstrating the rising power of Asian teams in international 3×3 basketball.

“It was so exciting to see so many teams competing at our first VIBF 3×3 Basketball Championship. We want to see more teams come forward in both men’s and women’s to join our 3×3 Basketball Championship and support our re-inclusion movement,” said Barry Holman, Virtus General Secretary and VIBF Board member.

With passionate performances and historic wins, the VIBF 3×3 Championships concluded on a high note, setting a strong foundation for the future of inclusive basketball competition on the world stage.

Fierce Competitions For The VIBF World Basketball Championships Trophy Continues To Rise At Astana

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Day three at the VIBF World Basketball Championships in Astana was nothing short of spectacular. A day where elite performance met electric atmosphere — and where every game, every chant and every crowd cheer elevated the meaning of international competition.
The fierce France vs. Japan matchups set the tone — both men’s and women’s teams brought strategic finesse, athleticism and heart. The women’s game pushed into overtime, delivering high-drama moments that left fans breathless. The men’s game followed suit with blistering pace and defensive grit. Every pass was pressure. Every shot, a heartbeat.

II1 Men in action from Japan vs Kazakhstan (L) and Portugal vs France (R) match. Photo Credit: IDSport

The Australia vs. Venezuela was fast-paced and physical, it was a game of fierce rivalry and relentless hustle. Fans roared, chants and a short storm thundered across the park, and young spectators leaned in for every moment. The venue buzzed with energy — the kind you feel in your chest.
Then there was also the undeniable Spanish passion. Both España men’s and women’s teams turned heads with their fire and flair. While Team USA men faced off with a formidable Italian side in a game that tested every ounce of endurance. The Americans fought with intensity and pride, never backing down, pushing until the final buzzer. Their resilience and refusal to quit made this a match to remember — a testament to their unity and fighting spirit.

II1 Women in action from Spain vs Australia Green (L) and Australia Gold vs France (R) match. Photo Credit: IDSport

Meanwhile, Team Poland, with a women’s team for the first time, continued to elevate the bar of high performance.
“The level is unbelievable. It’s elite sport. It’s passion. It’s power,” said Richard Magnette (FRA) – VIBF Committee Member
And perhaps the most beautiful moment of all? The crowd.
They were everywhere — especially the children. Today saw the largest turnout yet from local families. Kids cheered, snapped photos, Athletes were signing autographs, taking selfies and sharing laughs. It was grassroots magic, where lifelong memories were made.
“It’s high-quality competition. Intense, eclectic and exciting and it’s all happening in Astana, one local spectator said
The feedback from the international federation and the public has been overwhelming: this is not just an inclusion event — it’s a world-class championship.
From buzzer-beaters to booming chants, it was a day when sport transcended the court and swept through the crowd.
In the Men’s Semifinals, Australia Green will go head-to-head with Portugal Red, while France battles Australia Gold for a place in the final. In the Women’s Semifinals, Australia Green will clash with Australia Gold, and Japan will take on France for a spot in the championship match.
The feedback has been unanimous: this is more than inclusion — this is excellence.
For full results, visit the VIBF website.