Bandeira sets another Parapan record at Santiago 2023

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Brazil’s aquatic dominance continues on the second day of the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, with Gabriel Bandeira and Ana Soares making waves once again.

Gabriel Bandeira on the victory stand at Santiago 2023. © Saulo Cruz/CPB

In the S14 Men’s 100m Backstroke, Bandeira not only stormed to victory with a time of 58.79 sec but also shattered the Parapan Am Games record, narrowly missing the world record by just 1.91 seconds.

The competition for second and third place was intense, with Garcia Juan (COL), Macdonald Tyson (CAN), and Maiden Lautaro (ARG) putting on a thrilling show. Garcia secured the silver with a time of 1:02.65 sec, followed closely by Tyson (1:03.57 sec) and Mautaro (1:03.69 sec).

“Super happy to win the bronze medal. The second medal for me, I had a great race in being the second fastest this morning. Couldn’t be happier,” Tyson told the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

“I got a lot more events left in my schedule and I am excited for them. I just hope it’s motivating everybody else that’s behind the blocks,” he further added.

https://twitter.com/CDNParalympics/status/1726334705858175269

 

Claiming her second gold at the games, Ana Soares dominated the S14 Women’s 100m Backstroke with a time of 1:09.96 sec. Despite facing stiff competition from Mexico’s Salinas Citli, Ana remained undefeated, leaving the nineteen-year-old Mexican swimmer elated with her first medal.

Ana Soares flaunting her Gold. © Saulo Cruz/CPB

In the same event, Van Dyk Emma (CAN) clinched the Bronze, expressing her excitement for the achievement and noting the increased fun and camaraderie at this edition of the Parapan Games.

“It definitely feels good to win the bronze. I dropped two seconds so overall it was a great swim.”

Van, who is competing in her second Parapan Games says the current edition ‘is a lot more fun, there are more countries and athletes so more people to talk to’.

As the S14 100m Breaststroke approaches, all eyes are on Brazil to see if they can further augment their gold medal count. Stay tuned for more thrilling action at Santiago 2023.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Washington Alves/CPB

Brazil dominates the first day of Santiago 2023 Parapan American games

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The 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games were declared open on 17th November in Estadio Nacional. Nearly 2,000 athletes from 31 participating countries proudly paraded with their flags during the Opening Ceremony at Estadio Nacional of Chile. The stands, filled with over 15,000 spectators, echoed with cheers and applause.

Addressing the crowd and athletes, Jaime Pizarro, the Minister of Sports and President of Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games said,

“Today is a historical milestone for Chile, there is a lot of excitement to have this version of the Games, in which the best of high performance will be shown”

Requesting the crowd, he further added,

“Support the Para athletes, because everyone who has played sports, regardless of whether it was professional or amateur, knows what it means to perform in a full venue. Let’s encourage them to reach their maximum potential”

Opening ceremony. Photo Caption: Santiago 2023

The vibrant colors of national jackets, like light blue for Argentina and yellow for Brazil, created a captivating contrast. Embodying the Paralympic spirit, athletes formed a close-knit community, exchanging pins and sharing cultural moments as they awaited their moment to shine in the upcoming competitions until November 26.

Swimming

(L-R) Beatriz BORGES, Ana SOARES and Debora BORGES celebrating their win in 200m Freestyle at Santiago 2023. Photo Credit: Comitê Paralímpico Brasileiro. © Washington Alves/CPB

On day one of the swimming competitions, Brazilian women claimed a podium sweep in the 200m Freestyle, with Ana Soares (2:17.66), Beatriz Carneiro (2:21.16), and Debora Carneiro (2:22.46) securing the top three spots.

Gabriel Bandeira in action (L) and giving his iconic winning pose (R). © Washington Alves/CPB

Paralympic Champion and Virtus Ambassador – Gabriel Bandeira set a new Parapan Am Games Record in his debut Parapan Games. He clocked 1:56.30, to clinch gold, defeating Colombia’s Garcia Juan (1:57.28). Macdonald Tyson (CAN) secured the bronze with a time of 2:01.61.

Table Tennis

Winners from Men’s Singles. (L-R) MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN), SIMOES Thiago (BRA), ROSAS Armin (CHI) and SUQUILLO Angelo (ECU). Photo Credit: Comitê Paralímpico Brasileiro-Cis Mattos

In the Men’s singles (Class 11) Semifinals, SIMOES Thiago (BRA) clashed with ROSAS Armin (CHI) in Match 1. Simoes secured a 3-1 victory, leading in the first match (11-6). Despite a comeback from Rosas in the second match (6-11), Simoes dominated the next two matches (11-1, 11-7) with determination, earning his spot in the finals. In Match 2, MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN) defeated SUQUILLO Angelo (ECU) convincingly with a 3-0 win.

The ultimate showdown for the gold medal took place between SIMOES Thiago (BRA) and MARTINEZ Denisos (VEN). Despite a tough fight, Denisos couldn’t withstand Simoes’s aggressive play, and Simoes emerged victorious with a 3-0 triumph.

Full results can be accessed from Santiago 2023 website.

Virtus Upholds Integrity and Fair Play at Vichy: GG2023 Legacy Story

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The conclusion of the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy-France marked the culmination of a remarkable gathering, uniting athletes from over 45 countries across all continents. With a participation of more than 900 athletes, the event featured competition and inspiration across thirteen sports, including three Paralympic pathways: swimming, athletics, and table tennis.

Virtus spared no dedication or effort in ensuring the cleanest edition of the Global Games. Working through the Organising Committee, Virtus Anti-Doping actively engaged on multiple fronts, encompassing testing and education. In terms of testing, Virtus conducted over 30 tests, screening athletes from diverse sports disciplines, ensuring fairness and balance for all participants in the event.

All tests adhered to the standards and procedures outlined by WADA and Virtus, prioritizing the quality of work and the safety of athletes. Virtus collaborated with French anti-doping authority Agence Francaise de Lutte contre le Dopage (AFLD) and National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), along with the LOC health coordinators in a collective effort to promote clean sport.

Virtus Anti-Doping officer, Juliana Soares, who was leading the Virtus Anti-Doping team said,

“We believe in the potential of our athletes, and our role here is to protect clean and fair athletes. For this, we need to stand together with them, guiding them through ethical values and providing useful and necessary information for a well-rounded career. We were present in Vichy every day, engaging in conversations and imparting knowledge on how to be a clean athlete.

On the education front, this edition marked a significant milestone as the first to implement educational initiatives for all sports at the event. The Virtus Anti-Doping team actively engaged with coaches, providing them with relevant information to help prevent inadvertent doping when there is no intention to do so.

Virtus is unwavering in its commitment to Clean Sport, and initiatives like these form part of an ongoing project to progressively shape the behaviour of athletes, support staff, and the internal technical team, fostering a collective effort for Clean Sport.

Eight new member nations welcomed into Virtus Family

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Virtus Sport welcomed new members to its family this weekend as the 2023 General Assembly ratified the membership of National Member Organisations in from Fiji, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Guinea, Gabon, and Jamaica. The World Dodgeball Federation was also welcomed into the International Federation category.

It brings Virtus’ total membership to 101 organisations – more than at any time in our history.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of Virtus Kazakhstan – Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities expressed her excitement about joining Virtus:

“We are delighted to join the Virtus family. Our team has put in tremendous effort over the past year, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the trust from the Virtus membership.”

She emphasized the significance of this membership for Kazakhstan and the athletes with intellectual impairments, as it opens up new prospects for elite competition-

“This membership is very promising and will open up new possibilities for our athletes to participate in the Virtus Global Games, Asian Para Games, and Paralympic Games. We have a long journey ahead and have already developed a comprehensive plan for the development of sports for individuals with intellectual impairments in Kazakhstan for the period 2023-2030.”

Virtus President Marc Truffaut welcomed the new members and highlighted Virtus’ commitment to increasing its global reach:

“Virtus has been focused on increasing membership and this time we have welcomed eight new members from Oceania, Asia, and the African region. We are thrilled to work with these new members and, with their support, will be nurturing new talents into elite sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment. We hope to see more nations competing in our next Asia Oceania Games in 2026 and at the Virtus Global Games 2027.”

Meanwhile the Assembly also ratified the appointment of new Board members with Yossi Romano (ISR) and Aaron Benjamin (IND) elected as Members at Large.

Virtus Board Members received warm welcome from Japanese Paralympic Committee ahead of the Virtus General Assembly

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The Vice Chair of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, Mr. Masaki Fujiwara, welcomed Virtus Governing Board Members to Japan.

Mr. Fujiwara welcomed everyone acknowledging the Global Games 2019 and Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022 in Brisbane, and this year’s Virtus Global Games 2023 in Vichy France, highlighting the opportunities for participation for Japanese athletes.

He went on to mention the success of a recent event in Kagoshima for Japanese athletes with a disability and the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou. Mr. Fujiwara acknowledged the numbers of athletes with intellectual impairment participating in both events, particular the Kagoshima Games, and the importance of these events for the health and wellbeing of athletes.Mr. Fujiwara said it was an honour to have the Virtus Governing Board in Japan to conduct the General Assembly and hopes the leadership team will have good meetings and an opportunity to appreciate the sights of Japan.

Marc Truffaut, Virtus President thanked the Japan Paralympic Committee, Virtus Board Member in Japan Hiroaki Taniguchi, and Toshi Saito from All Nippon Intellectual Disability Sports Association (ANISA), for the welcome and hospitality. Mr. Truffaut also invited Japan to one day host a Virtus Regional or Global Games.

The Virtus Governing Board members are meeting to discuss strategic priorities for organisation, growing Virtus competitions and the Global Games. There is impetus to discuss pathways development in the decade ahead that aims to see elite athletes with an intellectual impairment have more access and opportunities at international competitions including Paris2024, LA2028 and towards Brisbane 2032.

Further information on the outcomes of the General Assembly will be shared in due course.

Seo Yanghee and Kim Gi Tae clinch the Mixed Doubles gold at APG 2022

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The fifth day of the Asian Para Games witnessed the crowning of Mixed Doubles champions and the establishment of new Asia Para Games records.

Table Tennis

In the Mixed Doubles Semifinals, Chinese Taipei and Republic of Korea defeated Japan and Thailand by 3-2, 3-0 and secured their place in the finals.

“I think we did not prepare well for today’s game. As for our advantage, I think it is to seize the opportunity and ride on the momentum. We stick to this principle in the game,” Asano takashi (JPN) told APG after the semifinal match against TPE.

“At that time I thought that we could not lose the victory. On the second half we are kind of under stress, and we made some inappropriate decisions”, he added.

In the Mixed Double’s final showdown, an intense battle unfolded between Seo Yanghee and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) and Chen Po Yen and Li Jing-Shiuan (TPE). Although Chinese Taipei secured the first two matches with scores of 11-9 and 11-4, the Korean powerhouses unleashed their full potential, triumphing with a 3-2 victory.

Turning to the Women’s Doubles, Match 1 saw Hong Kong’s Wong Ka Man and Wong Pui Kei facing defeat against NG Mui Wui and Wong Ting Ting with a 0-3 score. In Match 2, Japan’s Furukawa Kanami and Ito Maki secured a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei’s Li Jing Shiuan and Li Lydia Yi-Ya in the semifinals, securing their spot in the finals.

In the Men’s Doubles, both Hong Kong teams faced unfortunate outcomes. Fan Ka Ho and Wan Wai Lok fell to Kim Chang Gi and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) with a 3-0 result in Match 1, while Leung Chung Yan and Tsoi Ming Fai lost to Takeshi Takemori and Kato Koya (JPN).

Swimming

Aira Kinoshita (L) and Yui Lam Chan (R) flaunting their medal from 2022 Virtus OA GAmes. ©-Sport-Inclusion-Australia_Photo-Credit-Deion-Menzies

A thrilling and fiercely competitive race unfolded in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley, as Aira Kinoshita (JPN) and Yui-Lam Chan (HKG) engaged in an intense battle from the very first lap. These two exceptional swimmers relentlessly pursued each other until Aira pushed her limits, taking the lead from the third lap onward. Aira, the Japanese swimmer, maintained her momentum and secured the Gold, setting a new APG record with an impressive time of 2:26.14 seconds. Chueng Ho Ying (HKG) claimed the final spot on the podium, clocking in at 2:35.11.

Naohide Yamaguchi at 2022 Virtus OA Games. © Sport Inclusion Australia_Photo Credit Deion Menzies

In the Men’s category, Japanese swimmers continued their podium domination. Yamaguchi Naohide (JPN) secured his second Gold at APG 2022 by setting another record in the 200m Individual Medley. Naohide maintained his undefeated streak from the first lap, gradually widening the gap that his competitors couldn’t bridge. He emerged as the undisputed champion, clocking in at 2:09.91, setting a new APG record. A nail-biting swim-off unfolded between Wai Lok Tang (HKG) and Nakajima Keichi (JPN) for the second spot, with Wai Lok clinching it by a mere 0.23 seconds.

The finals of the T20 Men’s and Women’s 1500m events in Athletics, as well as the Men’s and Women’s Doubles matches, are all set to take place tomorrow, marking the last day of the Asian Para Games.

Detail results and information regarding closing ceremony is available at Hangzhou 2022 website.

APG2022: Shared Gold and APG record for Anku Matsuda and Lee Inkook

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On the fourth day of the Asian Para Games, in addition to the remarkable record-breaking performances, athletes also shared the Gold medals and All-Play Record (APR) recognition.

Swimming

Anku Matsuda (L) and Lee Inkook (R). Photo Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia and International Paralympic Committee

The Men’s 100m Butterfly delivered an electrifying showdown as Anku Matsuda (JPN), Lee Inkook (KOR), and Nakajima Keichi (JPN) engaged in an epic battle. Nakajima took an early lead, but Anku and Lee surged ahead shortly after. The two swimmers engaged in a thrilling neck-and-neck duel, racing to the finish line with the exact same time (57.86). Not only did they both earn a shared Gold medal, but they also shattered the APG records.

Matsuda, ecstatic about his unexpected victory in his APG debut, expressed,

“All I did was empty my mind and give everything I had. To be honest, I did not expect this, as it’s not my best event. It feels amazing to achieve such a great result.”

He also described the APG as ‘a festival for para athletes’ and shared his aspirations for the future:

“My future plan is to win another gold medal in the Paris Paralympics, which represents a higher stage and greater challenges. I will be prepared for that.”

In the Women’s 100m Butterfly, Yui Lam Chan added another gold medal to her collection, along with an APG record (1:04.71), outpacing Japan’s Aira Kinoshita (1:06.88) and Inoue Mami (1:09.60).

Athletics

The streak of record-breaking performances extended into Athletics as well. Japanese jumpers made a strong statement right from the first jump, with Kawaguchi Rio leaping 5.06m and Sakai Sonomi covering 5.04m. Both athletes continued to push their limits in an attempt to outdo their teammate. However, it was Sakai who surpassed Kawaguchi with an incredible leap of 5.37m in her fifth attempt, breaking the APG record in the process.

Table Tennis

The Round of 16 matches concluded today in both Women’s and Men’s doubles, paving the way for the top two teams from each group to advance to the semifinals.

In the Men’s Doubles, the first match will see Kim Chang Gi and Kim Gi Tae (KOR) competing against Fan Ka Ho and Wan Wai Lok (HKG) for a spot in the finals. In the second match, Hong Kong’s Leung Chung Yan and Tsoi Ming Fai will face Japan’s Takeshi Takemori and Kato Koya.

For the Women’s Doubles, one table will feature Chinese Taipei taking on Japan, while the other will showcase both teams from Hong Kong vying for a place in the finals.

In the Mixed Doubles category, the quarterfinal matches are set, with TPE vs. HKG, THA vs. JPN, JPN vs. THA, and HKG vs. KOR in the first half of the bracket.

Live results can be accessed from Hangzhou Asian Para Games website.

With only two days remaining until the conclusion of the APG, it promises to be an exciting finale as athletes give their all and test their limits in the remaining events.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised GG2023 medalist at Paralympic Day celebration

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On Sunday, October 8th, the heart of Paris, Place de la Republique, witnessed tens of thousands of individuals embracing the world of Para sports. The event marked a significant celebration as Paris, with less than one year to go until the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, hosted a grand-scale Paralympic Day.

Eight French athletes supported by Fédération Française du Sport Adapté – FFSA, Charles Antoine Kouakou, Gloria Agblemagnon, Lucas Créange, Antoine Zhao, Timothé Ivaldi, Assya Maurin Espiau, Ceuzinha Gomez SA and Nathan Maillet became the flag bearer for athletes with intellectual impairments at the celebration.

Lucas Créange (on right) and French President Emmanuel Macron playing friendly match Photo Credit: French Paralympic Committee

Tokyo 2020 Bronze medalist, Lucas Créange engaged in a friendly match with the French President Emmanuel Macron and numerous other audience who came to experience the Paralympic Day in the french capital. Antoine Zhao and Timothé Ivaldi also played matches with the partner of the JOP Paris 2024 and Credit Cooperative of the BPCE group.

The President of the CPSF Marie Amélie Le Fur presented the Paris 2024 ticket to Gloria Agblemagnon and President of the Republic presented the same to Charles-Antoines Kouakou. Both will be competing in field and track events respectively at Paris 2024.

On October 9th, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the GG2023 medalists from the French team and the governing board of FFSA at the Palais de l’Elysée for a special meet and greet. President Macron praised and recognized the achievements of French athletes at the recent Virtus Global Games 2023, Vichy France.

The athletes also signed hundreds of autographs to audience of all ages who came to discover and cheers for the Paralympic athletes during the autograph sessions. A huge crowd enthusiastically gathered around athletes, eager to snap selfies and convey their excitement in anticipation of France’s inaugural summer Paralympics.

FFSA athletes with Paris 2014 mascot-Phryges Photo Credit: French Paralympic Committee

Virtus Sport

France To Host 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championship

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment, is thrilled to announce that the 2024 VIRTUS World Tennis Championships will be hosted by France.

Scheduled to unfold from September 8th to 14th, this remarkable event will be impeccably organized by the Fédération Française du Sport Adapté (FFSA), a distinguished Virtus member organization within France.

The event will take place in the beautiful city of Annecy near the Auvergne- Rhone-Alpes region. With its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning lake views, creating a fairytale-like destination that captivates every visitor, Annecy offers a blend of cultural richness and natural splendour that promises a truly memorable travel experience.

Marc Truffaut, President of FFSA, expressed enthusiasm, stating,

“Tennis is a very popular sport in our country, and we are keen on developing it further for people with an intellectual impairment and bringing Virtus’s high-level competition for these athletes back to France is an incredible opportunity to do so.”

FFSA’s reputation for excellence shines brightly with its successful track record of orchestrating more than ten remarkable Virtus Sporting events over the past decade. Recall the unforgettable 2018 Virtus European Games and the remarkable 2023 Virtus Global Games. With this wealth of experience, the 2024 Virtus World Tennis Championships are poised to set new standards of sporting brilliance.

“It is wonderful news to see the World Tennis Championships in 2024 return to France. This competition will showcase the enormous talent of our athletes in II1, II2 and II3 categories and raise awareness of the opportunities available to elite athletes with an intellectual impairment,” says Virtus Tennis Director, Lesley Whitehead, who is also thrilled for the event.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) aims to strengthen partnerships with local and national tennis clubs to develop tennis programs tailored for people with intellectual impairments. This initiative will not only contribute to the growth of tennis but also discover new talents in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and France.

More information can be found on Virtus’ Event calendar.

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.