Virtus congratulate France on winning 2030 WPG bid/call for inclusion
Virtus is encouraged by the announcement that the French Alps will host the XXVI Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2030. It represents a significant opportunity to advocate for the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment in the Winter Paralympics.
The French Alps’ selection as the host adds momentum to Virtus’ efforts to ensure athletes have their rightful place on the podium, reinforcing the commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport.
In the IOC media announcement, Alpes Françaises 2030 state the event ‘aims to unite the north and south French Alps and make them a hub for winter sport, to bring maximum social and economic benefits to their communities.’
Additionally, the announcement states “It will be the first edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to fully integrate the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, as well as new requirements on sustainability set by the IOC’s Olympic Host Contract” (read the IOC announcement in full here).
Calling for re-inclusion
Virtus is calling on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Ski and Snowboarding Federation (FIS) to take the necessary next steps to achieve re-inclusion for athletes with an intellectual impairment in time for the Games in 2030.
Athletes with an intellectual impairment previously had full medal status at the 1998 Nagano Winter Paralympic Games in Cross Country Skiing. Whilst a limited number of sports and events are on the summer Paralympic Games program, winter athletes are still waiting.
The Virtus campaign for the re-inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairments aligns with the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 by promoting inclusivity, equality, and diversity in sports. The agenda emphasises the importance of engaging with the wider community and ensuring all athletes have the opportunity to participate on the global stage, and this must include athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Virtus’s efforts support these principles – advocating for the recognition and inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairments in the Winter Paralympics, contributing to the broader goals of the Olympic Movement.
Background
The background to this began around 14 years ago when IPC, the classification research Centre in Leuven, and Virtus (then known as INAS) began work to develop a sports classification system for skiers with an intellectual impairment. Nordic skiing had long been identified (by IPC and others) as the sport that could be added to the Winter Paralympic Games, following re-inclusion in the Summer Games in 2012.
This collaborative approach was very successful and, in 2017, the IPC membership (at the General Assembly) voted to support a motion that mandated the IPC to increase the representation of athletes with an intellectual impairment in the Paralympic Games.
This appeared to be on track for the Winter Paralympic Games 2022 in Beijing, however due to the transfer of para-ski governance to FIS in 2022, re-inclusion was delayed, and again declined for re-inclusion in Milano Cortina 2026, with a further position that there would be no capacity to include athletes with an intellectual impairment for 2030.
This act of exclusion left Virtus in a position where, because the International Federation of the sport is unwilling to support, Virtus had to take stronger stance, bidding for the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment. For the sake of the athletes and the development of inclusive sport, we cannot wait another 10 years for just the possibility of inclusion in WPG 2034.
Virtus and its membership are fighting for the right to see the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment in the Winter Paralympics. We call on global support for inclusion and equity.
Alexander Hillhouse’s Journey From His Backyard Pool To Paris 2024
As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games draw near, Denmark eagerly anticipates the debut of one of its brightest stars, Paralympic swimmer Alexander Hillhouse.
From the calming waters of his backyard pool to the world stage, Alexander’s journey is as inspiring as it is remarkable.
“My biggest supporter is my mom, dad, coaches, and teammates. They mean the world to me, and I’m grateful to have them by my side wherever I go,” Alexander shares, reflecting on the unwavering encouragement that has fuelled his athletic journey.
Unlike many other athletes who fell in love with their sport in school or through therapy, Alexander fell in love with the sport in his backyard pool and how killer whales used to swim.
“I had a back pool in the backyard. When I was little and I just fell in love with it (swimming). I thought that it would be pretty cool, just probably to swim in it and I found it interesting and like killer whales and how they swim. And I think I just wanted to be like them because I just love the pool and I like the whales and how they swim and I think it got me motivated to train all the time.”
Inspired by swimming legend Michael Phelps, Alexander’s passion for the sport ignited after witnessing Phelps’ historic achievements at the Beijing Olympics.
“Phelps is my role model, his success motivated me to pursue swimming with all my heart,“ Alexander enthuses.
Navigating the challenges of early morning training sessions and the invisible nature of his intellectual impairment, Alexander remains stubborn in his hunt of excellence.
“It’s just something that I have and I’m alright with that or that I figure out that I could be this person, you know. In other words, like, sure, we’ll give it a shot and see how it goes. And I gotta say, having intellectual impairment has changed my life actually. Going around the world, representing my country, winning competitions.”
“Everyone thinks that I just look like a normal person, but when they see me then they know that I’m a little bit autistic. You can see the impairment in people who have physical or visual impairment, but everyone just doesn’t think that about me. It’s good in a way. Everyone just thinks that I’m just a normal kid and I’m just swimming really fast.
“Waking up early is tough, but it’s part of the journey, but I’m committed to pushing my limits and achieving my goals.” he admits.
With a rigorous training regimen comprising 10 sessions per week, Alexander’s dedication is unwavering.
“I train every morning from Monday to Friday, with additional sessions on Saturdays,” he explains. “It’s demanding, but I love every moment in the pool.“
Alexander received his Virtus eligibility in early 2020 which opened his international para-swimming career. Alexander won two gold, three silver and two bronze at the 2023 Virtus Global Games and aspires to repeat his results at the next Global Games too.
Gabriel Bandeira (BRA), Alexander Hillhouse (DEN) and Cho Wonsang (KOR) at the victory ceremony for II1 50m Butterfly at GG2023 (L) and Alexander flaunting all his Global Games medal (R). Photo Credit: T.Nguyen and Alexander Hillhouse.
“Vichy 2023 was my first Virtus Global Games, I did some great racing over there. It was pretty amazing. All the friendships I made there were like pretty real. My hard work paid off as I came back with some amazing results. I hope I can do the same at the upcoming Global Games in Cairo 2027.”
Alexander won two gold, three silver and two bronze along with four Danish records at the 2023 Virtus Global games last year.
Reflecting on his journey, Alexander also highlighted his silver medal win at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester as a defining moment.
“Qualifying for Paris 2024 was a dream come true, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who supported me.”
Looking ahead, Alexander’s sights are set on breaking the world record in the 100m butterfly, a feat that epitomizes his pursuit of excellence.
“I’m determined to push the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s a challenge I’m ready to embrace,” he asserts.
As Alexander prepares to represent Denmark at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, his focus extends beyond medals to embracing the experience of competing on the global stage.
“I’ve been wanting a medal since like Michael Phelps won a gold medal and just any medal and I am also looking forward to the whole Paralympic games experience too. I think the experience could be amazing because it’s Paris 2024, it only happens once in four years, It’s a privilege to compete alongside friends from around the world,“ Alexander shares.
To aspiring athletes with intellectual impairments, Alexander’s message is one of resilience and determination.
“Never give up, with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible ”
As Denmark rallies behind Alexander Hillhouse, the nation celebrates his journey from backyard pools to international podiums. With each stroke, Alexander embodies the spirit of determination and the power of dreams, proving that with unwavering commitment, the sky’s the limit.
Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Alexander’s journey Visible.
What is Intellectual Impairment?
Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.
Vacancy: Sport & Competition Manager
Virtus is seeking a passionate and motivated sport leader to manage out global sport and competition programme – delivering exceptional events and driving growth and participation. Working closely with our membership, voluntary team and wider partners in sport, this is a rare opportunity to shape sport worldwide for the 2-3% of people who have an intellectual impairment.
This is a demanding role overseeing a diverse programme of more than 17 sports and the right candidate will have a flair for working with multiple stakeholders to achieve success.
Closing date: 8th September 2024
Interview date: w/c 16th September 2024
Start date: October 2024
To apply, please use the online form. Recruitment companies are kindly asked not to contact Virtus as further adverts will not be placed.
Remembering Bollnäs 2004 – the 20th anniversary of the first Virtus Global Games
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first Virtus Global Games, held in Bollnäs, Sweden, in 2004. From its modest beginnings to becoming the pinnacle of elite sports events for athletes with intellectual impairments, the Global Games have grown tremendously, showcasing athletic prowess and inclusivity on a global stage.
In 2004, Bollnäs hosted athletes from 29 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Chinese Taipei, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Finland, Great Britain, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates. Competitors strived for medals in a single competition class- II1 for athletes with intellectual impairments.
Poland dominated the medal tally with 50 medals (26 gold, 14 silver, and 10 bronze), followed by Australia with 44 medals (11 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze), and Hong Kong with 27 medals (8 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze).
Since 2004, the Global Games have expanded significantly. The sixth edition, held last year in Vichy, France, saw over 900 athletes and coaches from 47 nations participating, marking the largest medal program in Virtus history. The event featured 13 sports, including athletics, basketball, cycling, equestrian, futsal, handball, judo, karate, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and tennis. The inclusion of karate, judo, and equestrian sports enhanced the diversity of the competition.
France topped the medal tally at GG2023 with an impressive 189 medals (88 gold, 56 silver, and 45 bronze), followed by Australia with 125 medals (42 gold, 41 silver, and 42 bronze), and Italy with 87 medals (30 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze).
For the first time, the competition was open to all three classes: II1 for athletes with intellectual impairments, II2 for athletes with intellectual impairments and additional impairments, and II3 for athletes with autism. The II2 class was introduced at the 2019 Global Games in Brisbane.
Photos of Lenine Cunha from all six Global Games. Photo Credit: Lenine Cunha
Lenine Cunha, a Virtus Ambassador and Paralympic bronze medallist, reflected on the Games’ growth:
“I have competed across all six editions of the Global Games and I’ve seen it getting bigger every time. I have seen so many new athletes making their debut at the games and winning so many medals.”
“The Global Games literally saved my life and I want to thank INAS/Virtus for initiating the Global Games, which is the biggest elite competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment. It is like the Paralympic Games where many sports are offered as competition events which you cannot find in any other games.”
Kelly Wren with her teammates at Bollnäs 2004 (third one from right in the first photo) and at Brisbane 2019 (posing in the middle). Photo Credit: Kelly Wren.
Australian tennis player Kelly Wren, another athlete who has participated in all editions, expressed her excitement about the diverse experiences:
“Every time I went to the Global Games, I had different experiences. I saw the way the local people live in different countries. I visited so many beautiful places and made so many international friends.”
“The GG2019 was very close to my heart as my parents, coach, and friends could see me play. They flew from different cities to Brisbane to watch me. There are two new competition classes now as compared to earlier, the doors opened for athletes with Down syndrome and autism which led to an increase in several athletes.”
“I want to see the Global Games grow big with every edition and create pathways for the Paralympic Games in more sports rather than just in athletics, table tennis, and swimming.”
Jose Pereira at Bollönas 2004 (L) and Vichy 2023 (R). Photo Credit: Jose Pereira
Jose Costa Pereira, Virtus Athletics Sports Director, who has been with the organization since the beginning and also happens to be the one who coined the name ‘Global Games’ , shared how the games have allowed thousands of athletes with intellectual impairment to showcase their talent on a global stage. Remembering his early days within the organization, Jose says,
“I could possibly belong to the oldest group of people who have been associated with Virtus’s movement, I have seen INAS-FID change into Virtus, I have been to all the Global Games and have seen it grow in all aspects such as the number of athletes, number of competition class and sports from Bollnäs 2004 until Vichy 2023.”
“We welcomed two new competition classes- II2 for athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairment and II3 for athletes with autism in Brisbane 2019 and Vichy 2023 respectively that helped us in becoming more inclusive for people with intellectual impairment.”
“Global Games has become like the Paralympic Games for athletes with intellectual impairments whose sports or classes are not included at the Paralympics. Some so many athletes have found new purpose in life through the games and we are proud to be able to offer this elite-level competition”
As Virtus celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Global Games, the future looks promising. The Games continue to provide a platform for athletes with intellectual impairments to showcase their talents, foster international friendships, and promote inclusivity in sports. With each edition, the Global Games not only grow in scale but also in their impact, inspiring athletes worldwide and paving the way for greater participation in the Paralympic Games.
The 2025 Virtus World Basketball And World Tennis Championship Are Coming To Kazakhstan
Virtus is delighted to announce that the 2025 Virtus World Basketball and 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships are making their way to Kazakhstan. Virtus member – Federation of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Development Disabilities- IDSport will host the events.
The 2025 Virtus World Basketball Championship will be held from June 12th to 24th, 2025, at the Zhekpe-Zhek Arena and Saryarka Velotrek in Astana. This event is supported by the Kazakhstan Basketball Federation (FIBA National Federation) and the Government of Astana, ensuring top-tier facilities and organizational expertise. Both venues hold FIBA certification and have a history of hosting international events, guaranteeing a world-class experience for all participants.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championship will take place from May 5th to 10th, 2025, in Astana. Under the leadership of Dave Miley, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, and Yerik Ilyassov, a seasoned organizer with extensive experience in both national and international sports events, this championship promises to deliver high-quality competition and excellent organization. Miley’s decades-long tenure with the ITF and Ilyassov’s successful history in organizing significant sports events underscore the expertise behind this event.
Hosting two international events the IDSport President in Kazakhstan Ms Dina Temirgaliyeva stated,
“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing these international events to not only Kazakhstan but also the Asian continent for the very first time and know that we have all the resources and a professional team to create world-class events with a warm welcome in the heart of Eurasia. Our commitment to the principles of inclusion and equality in sports will attract all athletes and sports organizations in the country.”
The Local Organizing Committee anticipates that these two events will promote inclusivity, raise awareness of intellectual impairment, and inspire athletes nationwide. They also aim to change societal perceptions and increase the visibility of people with intellectual impairment. By showcasing their abilities and informing the public about their potential and achievements, the event hopes to foster greater understanding and support.
“Virtus Kazakhstan is one of our very new Virtus members and they have already hosted the 2024 Virtus World Half Marathon and 10k Road race last year which was a fantastic experience for us and the athletes. We have full confidence that they will host these two events perfectly too”, said Virtus President, Marc Truffaut.
“Kazakhstan’s role as the sole Central Asian representative in the Virtus Association provides an opportunity to engage neighbouring countries, enhance regional participation in future Virtus events and inspire more athletes with intellectual impairment to practice and compete in sports”, he further added.
The legacy of these championships is anticipated to mark strong partnerships with national sports federations and support from the local executive body of Astana and the Ministry of Sports and Culture. The events will lay the foundation for sustainable opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment in Kazakhstan and beyond, advancing the global movement for inclusive sports.
More information about the event will be available on Virtus website soon.
Host nation, Great Britain Took The Team’s Trophy While Australia And Germany Shines In Individual Events At Sparsholt 2024
After a very rainy start at Sparsholt, the sun not only shined for the riders giving them great weather to compete in, but also for the host nation at the 2024 Virtus Open Regional Para Dressage Championships, Sparsholt.
The Grade IV Novice B – II1 competition showcased remarkable performances from talented equestrians. Leading the field was Roberto Anguilera from Spain, who secured first place riding Scottie. In second place was Christopher Bradley of Great Britain, riding MBF Harley Rebel, followed by Sarah Sherwood from Australia riding Jack. These athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their performances.
In the Grade III Novice A – II2 competition, Jaycen Schlesinger from Germany claimed the top spot riding Nola. Sui Watts of Australia followed closely, securing second place on Apollo. Alejandro Espejo Lanzas from Spain completed the podium, taking third place with Elsa.
The Grade IV Novice B – II3 competition saw Chloe Bush from Great Britain emerge victorious on Bashford Black Prince. Australia’s Bel Dabic earned the second-place position riding Tommy, while fellow Australian Phoebe Roche took third place with Eddie.
In teams, Great Britain topped the podium with 205.42% points, followed by Australia with 194.37% and Germany with 193.40%.
Sparsholt 2024 riders with delegates. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport
Great Britain’s head coach, Sarah Moreland was thrilled by the results of her riders.
“Absolutely delighted with the whole of the GB team. They’ve done amazingly well they’ve excelled and I am feeling quite emotional talking about it. It’s very special. Each rider has really dug deep, they’ve all faced different challenges, and they tried to get the horses ready. Coping with the horses’ challenges and behaviours and that’s difficult for these riders.”
While it’s the second live competition for Christopher and Georgina, it was the first live competition for Chloe, the newest member of team Great Britain.
“This is her first live competition and going in internationally with three judges, that’s a big ask. So, you know, managing nerves and performance. It’s a real team spirit and for each athlete coming together as a team is quite difficult for their own personal, personal challenges. And yet through the horses they’ve all come together and supported each other.”
In Grade IV Intermediate A II1, Georgina Maton (GBR) riding on Desperaux won the gold, Sarah Sherwood (AUS) riding Jack secured silver and Roberto Anguilera (ESP) settled for bronze.
In the Grade III Intermediate – II2 competition, Jaycen Schlesinger from Germany claimed the top spot riding Nola. Alejandro Espejo Lanzas from Spain riding Elsa secured second place and Sui Watts of Australia followed closely, completing the podium on Apollo.
In the Grade IV Intermediate A – II3 competition, Chloe Bush (GBR) riding Bashford Black Prince won the title, followed by Bel Dabic (AUS) riding Tommy and Phoebe Roche (AUS) riding Eddie settled for third place.
Ben Waterhouse, British Dressage Chief Operating Officer was delighted to see so many foreign and national athletes at the very first UK-hosted Virtus Equestrian competition.
“We cannot wait to see all of these athletes returning to the UK to compete soon as well as seeing them in our Virtus classes through British Dressage”
Full results will be available on the website soon.
2024 Virtus Regional Open Para Dressage Declared Open At Sparsholt, UK
The 2024 Virtus Open Regional Para Dressage Championships was declared open today at Sparsholt Equine Centre. A total of nineteen athletes from five countries – France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain including Australia will be competing at the championship. Many GG2023 champions and medallist like Suit-Watts (AUS), Laurie Descouture (FRA), Alejandro Lanzas (ESP), Georgina Maton (GBR) and Andrew Driffield (AUS) have made their way to Sparsholt to try their luck at winning the championship titles.
Vice-Principal of Sparsholt College – Mark Treagust, Asst. Principal of Sparsholt College – Richard Rex and Virtus Eligibility head- Jan Burns MBE along with the Virtus Para-Dressage Committee members attended the opening ceremony.
Addressing the attendees including the athletes and the delegates at the opening ceremony, Mark Treagust said,
“We are nestled in the heart of the Hampshire Countryside, we a leading Equine Centre and Sparsholt College is a British Horse Society Centre of excellence.”
“With stabling facilities for up to 66 horses, Olympic standard indoor and outdoor arenas, cutting-edge technology and a team of dedicated experts in the field, the Centre regularly hosts affiliated and unaffiliated competitions across all disciplines. We are thrilled to now be ale to also say we host international dressage competitions as well.”
He also reminded the crowd about the amazing horses and that it is their ‘generous spirit that gives us the enjoyment of Dressage’.
“Virtus is a truly special organisation and we are so impressed with all of you as riders, we thank you very much for making the journey here and we wish you all the very best of luck over the next two days,” he further added.
Andrew Driffield (L) and Jan Burns (R) taking athlete’s and official’s oath at Sparsholt 2024. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport
Australian champion, Andrew Driffield took the Oath on behalf of the athletes while Jan Burns MBE, Head of Eligibility took the oath for the officials.
“This is the second live Virtus Para Dressage competition, the first one being the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy. Virtus wants to provide as many competitions as we can for riders with intellectual impairment and this championship marks another avenue we have achieved. We hope the regional championships encourage more riders to take up para dressage and compete,” said Uta Rindfleisch-Wu, Virtus Para Dressage director.
The competition will commence tomorrow officially until the day after tomorrow. The competition For results and updates, keep following Virtus Sport.
Virtus Ambassador Lenine Cunha Shortlisted As Nominated Candidate For The IPC Athletes‘ Council Elections
A record 26 candidates have been nominated for election during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to fill six summer representative roles on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council. The IPC Athletes’ Council, composed of elected athlete representatives, serves as the voice of the Para athlete community to the IPC. This year, the 26 candidates, including 14 men and 12 women, represent 12 sports and four continents, with 22 being actively competing athletes.
For the first time in history, an athlete with an intellectual impairment has been nominated by Virtus Sport and shortlisted by IPC for the IPC Athletes’ Council election. Lenine Cunha is a Virtus Ambassador. His international career started in 2000 and since then he has won more than 220 international medals including a bronze at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and multiple gold medals from Virtus Global Games.
He is one of the rare athletes who has competed across all six editions of Virtus Global Games and at three Summer Paralympic Games, Sydney 2000, London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Talking about his intentions behind standing for the election and his aspirations if he gets selected in the IPC’s Athletes’ Council, Lenine said,
“The IPC’s Athletes’ Council holds a prestigious position as the voice of athletes with various impairments. However, there is currently no one representing athletes with intellectual impairment within the IPC’s Athletes’ Council — a significant gap that I hope to fill. With approximately 2-3% of the global population living with intellectual impairment, it is important that we have representation in the IPC’s Athletes’ Council.”
“I want to talk about the rights and interests of athletes with intellectual impairment, and ensuring our voices are heard, and valued within the international sporting community. I also want to show my leadership that I have learned because of sport, and to use my experiences to add ideas to IPC that is more inclusive of all disability groups, for a better future for next Paralympians.”
“As someone who has spent his entire life with this invisible impairment and made a career out of it, I understand the challenges and discrimination faced by athletes like me and I want to continue advocating for their needs on a global scale using the IPC’s Athletes’ Council platform. I also recognise the importance of ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of all athletes, including athletes with an intellectual impairment are heard and addressed within the Paralympic movement.”
“While the IPC has made significant efforts in raising awareness of various disabilities, there is still work to be done in making intellectual impairment more visible and promoting inclusive pathways for athletes like me. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the IPC to achieve these goals, and to hopefully see more participation from current and new nations in the Paralympic movement.”
“Another topic I want to talk about is the difficulty that athletes and especially athletes with an intellectual impairment can often face during their transition from athletic careers to post-retirement life. I am experiencing this myself, and by joining the IPC, I want to develop resources and support systems that will help retiring athletes of all disability to manage this transition successfully.”
Lenine Cunha has been an extremely proactive Virtus Ambassador. He recently was selected by Virtus to become the flag bearer of the #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign launched by Virtus during the GG2023 anniversary week.
The Athletes’ Council acts as a liaison between athletes and decision-makers, significantly influencing the growth and development of Paralympic sports. The IPC Electoral Commission will oversee the election, ensuring adherence to the IPC Code of Ethics and Campaign Rules. The six newly elected members will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on 8 September. They will join the three winter representatives elected during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and appointed member Greg Polychronidis of Greece, and the IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair to complete the IPC Athletes’ Council.
The election will be held from 26 August to 5 September in PLY House, near the Main Dining Hall in the Paralympic Village, and in the Athlete Lounge at Chateauroux Village for Shooting Para sports athletes. Virtus urges all athletes competing at Paris 2024, especially athletes with intellectual impairment, to vote. If elected, Lenine Cunha will be the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to join the IPC Athletes’ Council, a historic moment for Lenine, for Virtus and for inclusion of millions of past, current and future athletes with an intellectual impairment around the world.
For more information, visit Paralympic.org/athletes-council. Read IPC’s announcement here.
Forty-Two-Year-Old Barbara Bieganowska-Zając Running To Win Her Fifth Paralympic Gold At Paris 2024
In the beautiful city of Frączków, Poland, resides a legend who won four Paralympic medals and multiple Virtus Global Games and WPA World Championship titles, Barbara Bieganowska-Zając. Also known as the ‘Golden Basia’, Barbara is preparing to win her fifth Paralympic gold medal at Paris 2024.
Barbara’s journey in sports began in her childhood. She was very active, everything interested her when she was a child. She got into initially through play, I started my adventure with athletics.”
Barbara Bieganowska-Zając is married to her supportive husband Piotr and is the proud mother of two beautiful young daughters, Wiktoria and Martyna. Her daughters are well aware of her accomplishments and take pride in having a world and Paralympic champion as their mother. Balancing her roles as an athlete and a mother, Barbara excels in both, thanks to the unwavering support from her husband and family. They create a peaceful and quiet environment for her to train, which she deeply values.
“My role as a mum I think I do very well—maybe not perfectly, but certainly very well. I share the roles perfectly as a mum, parent, and friend for my daughters. We get along well, support each other, and everything is okay.”
“My family is also very active in sports. They support me spiritually and athletically and are always with me when I have difficult days.”
Having lived a life with intellectual impairment, Barbara is keenly aware of the challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities.
“My disability hinders me a lot in such activities. I have problems filling in forms or any kind of paperwork, and I even find it very difficult to work with the ADAMS system, which I have to run on a daily basis and fill in various fields. I am very happy to have a husband who is by my side and helps me with all this. I am very grateful to him for that.”
“In the beginning, everything in training was difficult for me because I was learning everything. And I am still learning. There are some workouts which are difficult for me, ones where I have to calculate times in continuous runs or speed stretches, where I need my coach’s help with that.”
“People like me are invisible at first sight, and people just don’t believe us. We face many problems daily. It is more difficult for us to get a sponsor like people with physical disabilities. For a lot of people, it’s hard to understand that a person like me, who has two arms and two legs and can see, has a disability and can’t cope in life. It’s not all quite as many people think.”
Barbara also mentioned facing trolls on social media due to her impairment. Despite the negative comments she received on social media early in her career, Barbara remains resilient.
“In the beginning, I had all sorts of comments on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media about my personality. But I’m the kind of person who doesn’t take negative things from other people to heart. These are the kind of people who don’t understand people with intellectual impairment. The problem I have always had, and I do my best to keep it as low-profile and rare as possible”
Barbara running 1500m at GG2023 (L) and on the podium with her fellow competitors (R). Photo Credit: Kellerman lens
Barbara’s passion for athletics is evident in her training routine.
“I work out from Monday to Saturday. I do them every day, systematically, and I break it up during the week so that I have the strength and time to do everything, but training always comes first.”
Reflecting on her career, Barbara mentioned how Virtus events like the Virtus Global Games, Virtus European Championships, and Virtus World Championships have played a significant role in her career.
“They certainly opened the way for me to the most important competition, the Paralympic Games, where I am competing.”
Barbara has won four gold and one bronze at previous Paralympic Games, seven gold, two silver and one bronze at the World Championship, six gold from Virtus Global Games and multiple medals from regional championships. When asked about her favourite medal amongst all those which she collected from various international event, she remembered the silver medal she won at an event in New Zealand.
“Probably my most memorable run was at a competition in New Zealand. During the 1500-meter run, right after the start, one of the athletes stepped on my heel and pulled off my shoe. At that moment, I was very scared. I stopped, put my shoe back on, almost sprinted to the running group, and kept running with the group, but unfortunately, I paid for it at the end and lost the gold medal, winning silver instead. That silver medal from the world championships in New Zealand stayed in my mind so much.“
Looking up to her fellow athlete Rafal Rak, who is preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris, Barbara finds inspiration.
“He is my role model today because, like me, he is running 1500 meters.”
As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she recognizes all athletes as her competitors.
“My goal is known: to go to the Paralympic Games. I have my goals, I have my dreams, and I am pursuing them. And my goal is to get the best possible place in Paris 2024.”
“We (all the athletes) are all strong and will be well prepared. We will all fight for the best place, and time will tell who will win.”
“My ultimate goal in life is to run, run, and run. I think I’m going to run as much as I have strength and health, and I’m definitely not going to stop at this Paralympic Games, which will be in Paris.”
She shares a message for young athletes with intellectual disabilities: “I would like to tell you, dear ones, not to give up. Fight, have your goals, and pursue them as I did.”
Barbara is grateful for campaigns that highlight the truth about people with intellectual disabilities.
“I am very happy with Virtus launching this campaign that shows the truth about people with intellectual impairment and shows how things really are and not how people sometimes think.”
Join Virtus’ #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign in making Barbara’s journey Visible.
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT?
Intellectual impairment is an umbrella term to describe a vast and neuro-diverse group of people with varying types of cognitive impairments including intellectual disability, Down syndrome and autism. Having an intellectual impairment impacts how an athlete understands the rules of the sport, interacts with other players, and adjusts to different environments. They might find it difficult to manage reaction times, remember specific race or game strategies, retain focus for long period of time, or maintaining impulse control.
Virtus is the brand name of the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment and is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee. Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in the UK (1173901)