From April 23 to 27, 2024, Yaoundé played host to an event aimed at fostering the development of sports for athletes with intellectual impairment across Africa. This competition marked a significant step forward as Africa strives for the first participation of athletes with intellectual impairment at the Paralympic Games.

Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon were the two countries that participated in this groundbreaking event. Kicking off on April 23, athletes from Equatorial Guinea underwent psychometric tests, setting the stage for two days of thrilling competitions at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium in Yaoundé.

The heart of the event revolved around sprint races and short middle-distance races, including the 100m, 200m, and 400m for both men and women, as well as the 800m for women and 1500m for young athletes. Additionally, there were competitions in shot put and long jump for both genders.

In a fantastic atmosphere, athletes showcased their talents, displaying remarkable improvements in their performances. There was a palpable sense of determination in every series, the competition was a testament to the athletes’ dedication and resilience.

“This event’s impact reverberates far beyond Yaoundé. With the dream of seeing sports for the athletes with an intellectual impairment flourish in Africa, we extend our hand to African nations, Virtus leaders, and the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we can make this dream a reality,” said Jean-Marie Aleokol, President of Virtus Cameroon.

Adding to the spectacle, the National Institute of Youth and Sports in Yaoundé brought a special audience to enliven the ceremonies, while captivating choreographies adorned the opening ceremony.

As medals were distributed and champions celebrated, the event underscored the growing importance of sports for athlete with an intellectual disability in Africa. It is a beacon of hope for the future, signalling the possibility of greater participation in the Virtus Global Games and the Paralympic Games.

The Virtus Spain, Federation Spanish Sports Disability Intellectual-FEDDI organised Spanish Paddle Championship in collaboration with the Paddle Federation of the Valencian Community last month. This was the second of the championship that concluded with overwhelming success, thus consolidating itself as one of the most outstanding sporting events of the year.

The competition, which took place from April 12 to 14, brought together more than 161 athletes from 22 sports clubs and 11 different autonomous communities. Figures show that participation continues to grow year after year, reflecting the commitment and passion of athletes for paddle tennis.

For three intense days, from April 12 to 14, participants enjoyed the best game and an incredible atmosphere of coexistence, accompanied by sun and good weather. Furthermore, it is worth highlighting the great family atmosphere that was experienced, with a notable presence of family and spectators. Proof of this was the joint meal held on Saturday at the Sportcity paddle club.

Athletes engaging in Paddle sport match. Photo Credit: FEDDI

In the men’s competition, the unstoppable duo made up of Daniel Sancho and David Abadía, from the Aspadif Club, won the coveted first place. Meanwhile, in the mixed category, the outstanding couple composed of Sara Guasch and Xavier Scarés, from Club Addif, emerged as the undisputed winner.

The men’s competition was not without emotion, and the No Hay Límite Yecla club saw its representatives, Ramiro Hernández and Adrián Bueno, crowned champions. The mixed adapted category saw Nerea Gallego and Marco Casares, from CD San Cebrián, win the first prize.

Photo Credit: FEDDI

For its part, in the women’s sports skills division, the duo formed by Natalia Reche and Maribel Ros, from Club Aidemar, stood out for their impeccable performance. In the mixed sports skills category, the couple composed of Pablo Torres and Adrián Lapeña, from Unitts, emerged as the undisputed winner. Finally, in the individual divisions, Maider Esandia Aldaya, from El Molino, and Néstor Zoe Fernández Rodado, from Fundación Ser, won first prize in the female and male categories respectively.

The awards ceremony was the finishing touch to the competition and had the special participation of Ramón Morcillo, president of the Spanish Paddle Federation. Their prominent presence emphasizes the commitment of both federations to the promotion of inclusive sports and equal opportunities in the sporting field.

Virtus in collaboration with FEDDI is trying to promote the sport within the community of people with intellectual impairment. Anyone interested to know more about the sport or practice it is requested to get in touch with FEDDI.

Filip Walecki clinched his first-ever Virtus medal at the 2024 Virtus World Half Marathon and 10K Road Race in Almaty. The celebration was double as the first medal came in the form of a Gold medal.

At just 26 years old, Filip’s remarkable journey to victory serves as a powerful testament to the virtues of determination, passion, and triumph. Alongside his older brother Jakub and their three beloved dogs, Filip and his family embrace an active lifestyle, immersing themselves in a myriad of sports and activities, fostering bonds and creating cherished memories along the way. Filip is a resident of the quaint town of Czarków in southern Poland.

“I feel so happy to win this Gold medal. It is a dream come true. In the autumn of 2023, my journey with Virtus began when I participated in the cross-running competition in Ciechanów. Virtus events have motivated me to train harder and be better, it has been a catalyst for my success”

For Filip, the joy of running lies in the feeling of accomplishment at the finish line.

Filip has an intellectual impairment and Down syndrome and competes in the II2 competition class in the Virtus competition. Filip’s parents reflect on how Down Syndrome has profoundly impacted Filip’s and his family’s lives.

“Down Syndrome has profoundly impacted every aspect of our lives. The multitude of challenges associated with this genetic condition has made every task extremely difficult, requiring an immense amount of determination and resilience to overcome. From navigating daily activities to striving towards long-term goals, the journey is often filled with many obstacles that are overwhelming for all of us.”

“The intellectual impairment further complicates matters, making it challenging, if not impossible, to fully understand the complexities of the world around us. Yet, despite these hurdles, we continue to persevere, driven by a steadfast commitment to overcoming adversity and achieving our aspirations.”

Despite facing challenges, he continues to inspire others with his resilience and commitment to success.

Filip posing on the podium at Almaty 2024. Photo Credit: IDSport

Philip gives credit to his beloved dog, Hera, an Alaskan Malamute, who sparked Filip’s interest in running, sports and fitness.

“After undergoing extensive physiotherapy, my focus shifted towards sports and fitness. However, the pivotal moment came with the introduction of my pet dog- Hera, into my life. Known for their high energy levels, Hera’s need for activity motivated me to start with short walks and gradually progress to longer ones. Eventually, we ventured into the mountains, tackling ultramarathons together. In 2021, I completed my longest distance yet, covering 74 km without Hera by my side. Additionally, we participated in numerous dog trekking competitions, further fueling my passion for running and outdoor adventures.”

While training presents its challenges, Filip finds strength in his coach, Ewelina Zbijowska, and his club Start Bielsko. Filip’s ultimate goal in life is “to be the winner in anything he does.” His unwavering determination and commitment to success serve as an inspiration to all who encounter his story.

Filip Walachia’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and unwavering determination. As he continues to chase his dreams, Filip’s story serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

The 2024 Virtus World Half-Marathon and 10K Road race was declared open today in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This event is significantly important for Virtus as this event is making its way to the Asian region for the first time event and is hosted by Kazakhstan’s Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Impairment- IDSport.

The Virtus World Championship is included in the official republican calendar of events in the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Athletes from 8 countries, Portugal, Bulgaria, Japan, Poland, China, Spain, Sweden and Kazakhstan, will compete at Almaty 2024.

During the Opening Ceremony the President of Virtus Asia, the Secretary General of NPC Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan ID Sports Federation welcomed all participants including delegates, representatives of NGOs, sports organizations and the press. Participants of the event stood for the anthem of Virtus and flags were displayed.

Expressing excitement for the event, Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of Kazakhstan’s Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Impairment said,

“We are delighted to have all the athletes, officials and parents here at Almaty 2024. The competition coincides with World Autism Awareness Month which has added additional importance to this event apart from being the first one in the Asian region and shows our commitment to the principles of inclusion and equality in sports.”

The Virtus representatives, the leader of the Kazakhstan Paralympic Committee, the IEA sports federation, and the athletics federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the participation of experts hosted a media briefing conference “VIRTUS, development of high-achieving sports for athletes with intellectual impairments in the Republic of Kazakhstan” on April 20, 2024.

Dina Temirgaliyeva, President of IDSport (left) and Patrick Chan, President of Virtus Asia (right) at the media briefing

“I’m very glad to be here. Thanks to Kazakhstan for hosting. I hope that everyone will have only good impressions. Virtus gives people/athletes with an intellectual impairment the opportunity to develop and excel in sports, and through its various pathways, it provides the opportunity to participate in various international competitions like Virtus Global Games, Virtus World Championships, Regional Games and the Paralympic Games. Our vision is an inclusive world for athletes with an intellectual impairment” said Mr Patrick Chan, the President of Virtus Asia.

Mr Olzhas Akpambetov, Secretary General of NPC Kazakhstan, also attended the opening ceremony and was thrilled to meet the athletes from different countries.

“On the part of the National Paralympic Committee, we support the idea of hosting the first World Virtus Half Marathon Championships here in Kazakhstan wholeheartedly. We hope that the athletes will show us their best results. And this will be just the beginning of organising such marathons in Kazakhstan on an annual basis. I hope that the result of this event will attract more athletes from all over Central Asia in the next editions.”

The races will officially commence on April 21, 2024, and are included in the annual Almaty Half Marathon program with the support of the “Courage to be the First” foundation and Almaty City Council administration.

The 2023 European half-marathon champion, Cristiano Pereira from Portugal, is also making his way to Almaty for the event. The host nation will be represented by a team of six athletes from II1 (athletes with intellectual impairment) and II3 (athletes with autism), including 5 runners from Astana and 1 from Almaty.

For accreditation and additional information, please contact the press service of the Federation and follow updated information on social networks. 

Contact for media enquiries:

Name: Tansholpan Tel.: +7 (707) -555 39 83 | Email: info@idsport.org.

Results, news alerts and detailed information will be available on the IDSport website and Virtus website along with their social media handles.