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.

Embracing Sustainability: A GG2023 Legacy Story

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The Virtus Global Games 2023 (GG2023) stood as a pivotal milestone in the history of Virtus events, through the establishment of the Sustainable Development team within the Local Organising Committee (LOC). The task was to establish sustainability principles across the landscape of the various delivery commissions (volunteers, accommodation, transport, sport etc) but without placing significant burdens or extra barriers.

Comprised of a dedicated team of six individuals, each member took on specific roles aligned with their skills and aspirations. The team’s structure included a General Coordinator, International Conference Manager, Virtus Forest Manager, Eco Ambassador Manager, Clean Walk Manager, and Communication Manager. Nevertheless, their responsibilities extended beyond these defined roles, showcasing the team’s flexibility. During the event, the team collaborated with volunteers from medico-social establishments, forming two groups that assisted in waste sorting and clean-up activities.

Creation of the First Virtus Forest

A noteworthy environmental effort involved tree planting at the Virtus Forest, symbolizing unity and sustainability. Elected officials, volunteers, organizers, and athletes, came together to plant a total of 100 trees, consisting of holly and hornbeam varieties.

Palabre Tree

The Palabre Tree emerged as a poignant representation of shared dreams, spanning from personal ambitions to global hopes. The messages inscribed on its branches reflected a range of desires:

  • Pursuits of gold medals.
  • Including more medal events for athletes with intellectual impairments at the Paralympic Games.
  • Advocacy for recognizing and integrating people with disabilities in sports.
  • Various other heartfelt aspirations deeply resonate.

Palabre Tree standing tall at Virtus GG2023

Donated by FFSA to CREPS, Vichy, a sports hub in the region, the tree will serve as a reminder of the success stories of athletes with intellectual impairment and/or autism and spectacular opportunities offered by events like the Virtus Global Games.

Waste Management

Parallel to this arboreal dialogue, waste management garnered significant praise, particularly in the dining area. Collaborating with the AREMACS association and the city of Vichy’s administration, the team implemented efficient waste separation methods. This encompassed not only recycling initiatives but also composting around 1300 kilograms of food waste, later repurposed for city gardens. In addition, FFSA collaborated with the Food Bank and Restos du Cœur de Vichy to minimize food wastage. Excess meals were repurposed by being contributed to the Vichy Food Bank, leading to the provision of around 2,000 meals for the less fortunate.

In terms of waste management pertaining to water consumption,  2,500 reusable water bottles and transport glasses were included in the Welcome Packs for personal use. Water fountains were installed in every sports facility and reception area. During the games, a total of 652 19-litre carboys amounting to 12,388 litres of water was consumed. This translates to a reduction of 12,388 1-litre plastic bottles that would have otherwise become waste.

Clean Walk

An initiative called “Clean Walks” further underscored the team’s dedication to waste management. Participants engaged in collecting litter around sports facilities and the convention centre. The city of Vichy applauded these actions, recognizing their influence on waste sorting policies in sports events and embracing the possibility of implementing this practice in all such events in the future.

As the dust settles after GG2023, the impact of this event in Vichy, France reverberates on various fronts. Within Adapted Sports, the legacy signifies proof of impactful environmental action without overwhelming resources. Inspired by the accomplishments of the Sustainable Development team, the Regional League will incorporate waste sorting into their competition organization guidelines. Furthermore, at the Virtus level, GG2023 demonstrates the attainability of seamlessly integrating sustainability into international event planning. This signifies not only a moment but a trajectory toward greater and more enduring strides in the realm of sustainability for future events.

“Paris 2024 To Deliver Most Spectacular Paralympics In History”, Says IPC President

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Today marks the #OneYearToGo for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. In just twelve months, a remarkable display of athletic prowess awaits, with athletes with intellectual impairment stepping into the spotlight across three captivating sports: Swimming (S14), Athletics (T20/F20), and Table Tennis (Class 11). This event promises to be a celebration of their exceptional abilities and talents.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons believes Paris 2024 is on the course to deliver the most spectacular Paralympic Games in history. 

The Brazilian Andrew Parsons holds the belief that a combination of ‘world-class sport, iconic venues, the first Games since the pandemic, and a revolutionary approach by the Organising Committee’ will culminate in a Paralympics that outshines all previous editions.

Parsons expressed, “As we reach the one-year-to-go milestone, all the stars are aligning for Paris 2024 to deliver tremendous and memorable Paralympic Games, setting a benchmark for all future editions.”

He further elaborated, stating, “The Organising Committee has promised innovative and revolutionary Paralympics, Games Wide Open to all. To date, they are delivering on all their promises and with 12 months to go, I could not be more excited for the Games and the legacy they will deliver.”

“Having attended many Para sports events this year, the level of sports performance is quite simply incredible. With the environment Paris 2024 is creating for athletes next summer, which includes many stunning sports venues at the heart of the city, I think the sporting action will surpass all of our expectations. 

“These will be the first Paralympics in Europe since London 2012 and the first to be held with spectators since Rio 2016. This combination, together with accessible and affordable tickets, will ensure we have massive crowds packing the venues, bringing the best out of our athletes. I think the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are going to be spectacular.” 

 Aim to sell every Paralympic ticket 

With tickets set to be up for grabs starting October 9th at rates that cater to families and affordability, the IPC President has an ambitious vision: the complete sellout of all 2.8 million tickets. Among these, a noteworthy half are priced at a wallet-friendly EUR 25 or lower, while tickets spanning the diverse spectrum of 22 sporting events span from EUR 15 to EUR 100.

Andrew Parsons shared his anticipation, stating, “I’m envisioning an overwhelming surge in demand for tickets to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games once they hit the market on October 9th.”

He emphasized the unswerving commitment of the Paralympic Games to inclusivity, saying, “The Paralympic Games has consistently adhered to the pledge of making tickets accessible for all, and Paris 2024 continues to embody this very principle. Our collaborative work with the Organising Committee has yielded a range of prices that cater to families and affordability, granting entrance to world-class sports set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring iconic venues.”

Highlighting the distinctive ambience of the Paralympic Games, he further remarked, “The Paralympic Games stands as one of those rare global sporting mega-events that one can enjoy alongside their entire circle of friends and family. This very essence contributes to the exceptional and unique aura that envelops the Games for each and every attendee.”

Radiating confidence in the athletes’ prowess, Parsons affirmed, “In the span of the last decade, we’ve witnessed a remarkable leap in athletic excellence across all 22 sports. The pool of talent’s depth and the fervour of competition have never been more pronounced. From a sporting vantage point, there’s little doubt that Paris 2024 will secure its place as the zenith of Paralympic Games.”

He concluded on a hopeful note, “Much like previous iterations, our aspiration remains the attainment of a sold-out event, with every ticket being snapped up by eager spectators the moment they’re made available on October 9th. With the fusion of world-class sports, stunning venues, and pocket-friendly pricing, our resolve to achieve this aim is resolute.”

Coming closest to a sold-out scenario was the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where a staggering 2.72 million tickets (equivalent to 95% capacity) were successfully sold. Tokyo 2020 would likely have replicated this feat if not for the pandemic; a remarkable 3.1 million ticket requests poured in during the initial sales months, underscoring the immense interest.

For those keen on securing tickets, they can be acquired through the official Paris 2024 Games website.

Source: International Paralympic Committee

Celebrating Inaugural Games for Athletes with Autism: GG2023 Legacy Story

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The 2023 Virtus Global Games (GG2023) made history as it included the II3 eligibility group (for athletes with autism) to its full medal programme for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in the sporting world providing an inclusive platform for 106 events across nine sports: Swimming, Table Tennis, Athletics, Tennis, Judo, Taekwondo, Cycling, Equestrian, and Rowing. The inaugural event showcased remarkable talents and unrivalled determination, leaving an indelible mark on the global sports community. A record total of 79 athletes (60 male and 19 females) from 19 countries competed.

Unprecedented Achievements:

Maria Kjer Rasmussen and  Axel Parisot. Photo Credit: Grégory Picout

Among the inspiring competitors, two athletes stood out, Maria Kjer Rasmussen from Denmark and Axel Parisot from France. These exceptional athletes etched their names in Virtus history, setting best-performance records in an astonishing eight events each. Maria-Kjer’s brilliance shone in the 100m-200m Backstroke, 100m-200m Breaststroke, 50m-100m Butterfly, and 200m-400m Individual Medley, while Axel Parisot impressed in the 50m-100m-200m-400m-800m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley, along with contributing to the French relay team’s victories in 4x50m and 4x100m Individual Medley.

A Triumph for Kazakhstan:

Dastan Ordabay (first from left). Photo Credit: Grégory Picot

Amidst the jubilation, Kazakhstan celebrated its first participation in the Virtus competition with pride. Dastan Ordabay made his nation proud by clinching four silver medals. A truly historic moment for Kazakhstan’s sports landscape, his achievements were a testament to the power of dedication and resilience.

Inclusive Empowerment:

The impact of GG2023 extends far beyond the podium – they’ve shattered stereotypes, rewritten expectations, and showcased the boundless capabilities of individuals with autism.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, Kazakhstan’s Head of Delegation (HOD), emphasized the significance of Virtus events for athletes with intellectual impairments and autism. According to her, GG2023 has opened doors to high-performance competitions for these exceptional athletes, representing hope and inspiration for every child facing similar challenges in Kazakhstan.

The GG2023 demonstrated the true essence of sportsmanship and inclusivity, setting an example for future generations. The games left a lasting legacy, resonating with the global audience and fostering greater acceptance, and understanding, celebrating athletes with autism and promoting inclusivity.

Virtus Sport continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future in sports, empowering individuals of all abilities to showcase their talent on the world stage.

2023 Virtus Open European Half Marathon & 10K Road Race Championships are coming to Portugal

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, is thrilled to announce that the 2023 Virtus Open European Half Marathon & 10K Road Race Championships will be hosted in Lisbon-Portugal. The event will take place from December 1st to 4th and will be organized by Associação Nacional de Desporto para Desenvolvimento Intelectual (ANDDI-PORTUGAL), Virtus member organisation in Portugal.

ANDDI-Portugal has a rich history of hosting various Virtus events since the 1990s, spanning sports including athletics (indoor and track and field, cross-country, and half-marathon), basketball, cycling, handball, futsal, football, indoor rowing, and table tennis.

This upcoming championship will mark the eighth time ANDDI have hosted a Virtus half-marathon competition. Their experience includes successfully hosting events like Azores 2021 amid Covid-19 restrictions and Viseu 2022 last year, showcasing their expertise in organizing such prestigious sporting events.

 

“We are very proud to host again a great event for Virtus the 2023 Open European Half Marathon, this time in the Portuguese capital, the beautiful city of Lisbon. For the first time ever in Virtus Half Marathons, the program of the event includes also a 10k Road Race Championship which will give additional opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment including the II2 group”, says José Costa Pereira, Virtus Europe Technical Director and ANDDI-Portugal President.

The event will turn out to be truly an inclusive event for all as the event will be part of the “Lisbon Discoveries Half Marathon” with thousands of participants.

For more information, visit Virtus Sports calendar.

Peru to Host Inaugural 2026 Virtus Americas Regional Games

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, has announced that Peru will host the 2026 Virtus Americas Regional Games – the inaugural Games for the Region.

The event will be hosted by Federacion Deportiva Peruana De Personas Con Discapacidad Intellectual- FEDEPEDI, Virtus member organization in Peru and will take place between 2nd October 2026 and 11th October 2026, in Lima.

Peru’s stunning landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon jungle will provide the perfect backdrop for an exceptional sports event. The Games are predicted to foster camaraderie, cultural exchange, and the growth of sports in the region.

Manuel del Castillo, President of FEDEPEDI, is also the Vice President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee – COP.  expressed his excitement for the games.

“We are deeply grateful and honoured to have been chosen to host the VIRTUS American Games here in Peru. Our rich and diverse culture, steeped in history and tradition, provides a fitting setting for this prestigious event that celebrates inclusion and amplifies vital efforts focused on empowering people with intellectual disabilities”, said

“The Games will act as a catalyst to raise awareness and foster a collective effort to create an inclusive world for all. Through the unifying power of sport, we can show the immense potential of people with intellectual disabilities who with the right support can achieve remarkable goals and overcome challenges”, he further added.

FEDEPEDI will collaborate with the National Paralympic Association of Peru (ANPPERU), the Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP), and the Peruvian Institute of Sports (IPD). This collaboration will have a significant impact, and ensure the successful organization and execution of the games.

The multi-sport event will offer competition across ten sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Futsal, Judo, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis and Table Tennis.

Virtus already holds Regional Games in Europe and jointly in Asia/Oceania in the year before Global Games. Marc Truffaut, Virtus President explained how important it was for the Americas region to be added,

“Virtus is developing a very comprehensive competition pathway for athletes with an intellectual impairment and Regional Games are a critical part of this. I am delighted that FEDEPEDI has come forward to host this inaugural event for our Americas members.”

With a rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Peru awaits to welcome athletes and delegations from the Americas to exchange experiences and showcase their talents.

Details regarding the sports programme will follow soon.

Brazilians dominated T20 events medal tally at Paris 23

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The Paris 23 World Para Athletics Championship has been a platform for exhilarating performances in the T20 class events. From the closely contested Men’s 400m race to the outstanding displays in the Long Jump and 1500m races, the competition has been nothing short of remarkable.

T20 Men’s 400m

In the Men’s 400m, spectators were treated to a nail-biting finish, with the top five athletes finishing within microseconds of each other. Samuel Oliveira from Brazil stole the show with a dazzling finish, setting a new Championship Record with a time of 47.20 seconds. Daniel Tavares (BRA) and Philippe Yovanni (MRI) showcased their incredible skills, clocking times of 47.30 and 47.48 seconds, respectively.

https://twitter.com/ParaAthletics/status/1680274972474834945

“It’s great to be a champion. Very happy. First World Cup and already get the gold medal. It’s too good. I thank my coach and my family”, said Samuel Oliveira.

Three-time World Champion, Daniel Tavares expressed his happiness for sharing the podium with his fellow team-mate Samuel. Uncertain about being able to run again after getting Covid, Daniel was delighted to clock his season best at Paris 23.

T20 Men’s Long Jump

Latif Romly from Malaysia once again demonstrated his dominance in the T20 Men’s Long Jump event. With a remarkable leap of 7.40 meters, Romly set a new championship record, reaffirming his position as the Paralympic Champion and world record holder.

“I have qualified for my third Paralympics in Paris next year. It was unfortunate that I aggravated my groin after the second jump. But it was good enough for me to win gold”

Noah Vucsics from Canada followed closely with a jump of 7.35 meters, while Prodromou Athanasios from Greece secured the bronze medal with a season’s best jump of 7.12 meters.

T20 Men’s 1500m

In a remarkable World Championship debut, nineteen-year-old Ben Sandilands from Great Britain made a name for himself by defeating the World Record holder and Rio 2016 Champion, Michael Brannigan from the USA. Sandilands set a new Championship Record with an impressive time of 3:52.42 seconds, showcasing his immense talent and potential in the event. Brannigan, despite being beaten, clocked his season-best time of 3:53.50, demonstrating his remarkable abilities as well.

“It does feel amazing to win a gold. I think I sped up with 200m to go, but I know I have that speed in me, so it definitely helped. I just feel exhausted now. I went into the race thinking I could win and I did, so it has given me a lot of confidence for the future,” Sandilands told IPC.

Sandro Baessa from Portugal put up an exceptional performance, recording his personal best time of 3:54.04 and securing the final spot on the podium.

T20 Women’s Long Jump

Karolina Kucharczyk, a two-time Paralympic Champion and world record holder, reaffirmed her absolute dominance in the Women’s Long Jump event for the T20 class. In a phenomenal display of her abilities, Kucharczyk successfully defended her title by leaping to an impressive distance of 6.08 meters in her fifth attempt, setting a new season record. Zileide Cassiano Da Silva from Brazil secured the silver medal for herself with a jump of 5.97 meters, showcasing her own exceptional skills in the competition.

https://twitter.com/ParaAthletics/status/1680645227986518025

Jardenia Felix Barbosa Da Silva from Brazil, a Tokyo 2020 Bronze medallist, once again showcased her versatility and remarkable talent at the Paris 23 event. In the Long Jump event, she secured the bronze medal with a jump of 5.49 meters. This achievement adds to her previous bronze medal in the 400m event at Tokyo 2020, highlighting her prowess in multiple disciplines.

T20 Women’s 1500m

Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac, the three-time Paralympic Champion and world record holder, showcased her unwavering dominance by claiming the gold medal in impressive fashion with a fantastic season-best time of 4:28.66.

https://twitter.com/ParaAthletics/status/1679913441333596160

Antonia Keyla Da Silva from Brazil added another silver medal to her country’s tally, crossing the finish line with a time of 4:30.75. Liudmyla Danlina from Ukraine secured the bronze medal while also recording her season-best time of 4:32.93.

Brazil dominated the T20 events medal tally with five medals (one gold, three silver and one bronze) and stood second on the overall tally, followed by Ukraine who also secured five medals (one gold, one silver and three bronze).

These remarkable performances exemplify the incredible talent and determination displayed by these athletes on the world stage.

Maksym and Breanna thrashed World Records at Paris 23

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The 2023 World Para Athletics Championships are underway in Paris from 9th July and will conclude on 17th. The elites with an intellectual impairment who won multiple medals at the 2023 Virtus Global games this June, made their way to Paris and already stealing the show.

WR in F20 Men’s Shot-Put

Maksym Koval at Virtus Global Games. Photo credit: T.NGUYEN

The reigning Paralympic and Virtus Games champion, Maksym Koval from Ukraine thrashed the world record in the F20 Shot. Maksym broke two Virtus World Records recently at the 2023 Global Games, in the II1 Mens shot put and in discuss throw. Improving his performance by 0.10m from the GG2023 result, Koval reached an incredible distance of 17.57 meters, setting the new WR in the event. Zolkefli Muhammad Ziyad (MAS) secured second place whilst recording his season-best with 17.21m and Yarovyi Oleksandr (UKR) settled for the bronze with 16.99m. 

WR in T20 Women’s 400m

Breanna Clark at Tokyo 2020. Photo Credit: OIS

Two-time Paralympic Champion, Breanna Clark from the USA shattered the world record in 400m with her lightning speed, clocking an impressive time of 55.12 seconds. Clark set the Championship record in the heats with 55.52sec and later cracked the WR in the finals. Yuliia Shuliar (UKR) recorded her season best with 56.29 and secured the silver while Carina Paim from Portugal grabbed the last spot on the podium.

CR in F20 Women’s Shot Put

Sabrina Fortune (GBR) retained her title in F20 Shot Put. The Welsh athlete also set a new championship record with a distance of 14.01 meters by defeating the Paralympic Champion, Poleth Mandez from Ecuador who covered 13.60m. Shpachynska  Viktoriia (UKR) settled for the Bronze. 

The T20 Men’s 400m, T20 Men’s and Women’s 1500m, F20 Women’s and Men’s Long Jump are scheduled for the 14th evening, the 16th and 17th July respectively.

Live coverage and results of the events are available on the World Para Athletics Website.

Poland to host 2023 Virtus World & European Cross Country Championships

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment, is delighted to announce that Poland will host the 2023 Virtus World & European Cross Country Championships in Ciechanów.

The event will be hosted by SPRAWNI-RAZEM, Virtus member organization in Poland from the 26th to 30th of October 2023 and will offer competition across all three Virtus eligibility classes- II1, II2 and II3. The competitions will take place on a designated running route chosen by the organizers in the suburbs of Ciechanów.

Expressing their gratitude, President of Sprawni-Razem, Dariusz Mosakowski says,

“Sprawni-Razem is proud and grateful for being awarded the opportunity to host another sports event by the Virtus Sport. We are delighted that our friends from the entire Virtus family will once again experience Polish hospitality, create memorable moments, and share in the excitement of sports.”

Sprawni-Razem has hosted a wide range of Virtus events including the 2019 Cross Country Championships in Trzebnica, the 2020 Indoor World Championships in Toruń, the 2021 World Athletics Championships in Bydgoszcz and the 2022 European Championships in Krakow.

While praising the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for their successful bid to host the 2023 Virtus World & European Cross Country Championship, Virtus President Marc Truffaut expressed his congratulations to SPRAWNI-RAZEM.

“They have hosted world-class Virtus events in the past few years, including during the Covid-19 pandemic and we are confident that they will deliver yet another remarkable and memorable event for athletes and spectators alike”.

More updates about the can be accessed here.