World Rowing, Virtus and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are progressing a strengthened collaboration to advance inclusive high-performance rowing pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment. 

Following strategic discussions in Lausanne between World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland, Executive Director Vincent Gaillard, Virtus President Robyn Smith OAM and IPC President Andrew Parsons, the organisations have agreed to move toward formalising their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding. 

The collaboration reflects a shared ambition to embed inclusion within high-performance rowing systems globally, while upholding strong governance, athlete wellbeing and fair competition. 

As part of the dialogue, Indoor Rowing was identified as a particularly scalable and accessible entry point for nations at varying stages of development. With lower infrastructure barriers and clearly defined performance standards, Indoor Rowing offers a practical pathway for athlete progression, especially in countries where access to on-water facilities may be limited. 

“Inclusion is a fundamental pillar of World Rowing’s vision for the future of our sport. By working closely with Virtus and the International Paralympic Committee, we can help create clear, credible high-performance pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment, grounded in strong governance, athlete wellbeing and fair competition,” said World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland.

These discussions align closely with World Rowing’s broader vision for the evolution of rowing disciplines, including Indoor and Connected Rowing, and their growing relevance within the Olympic Movement as accessible, globally scalable, high-performance formats. 

“This collaboration represents an important step forward in strengthening structured and sustainable pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment,” said Virtus President Robyn Smith OAM.

“Working in partnership with International Federations ensures inclusion is embedded within mainstream high-performance systems, not treated as an afterthought.” 

IPC President Andrew Parsons added,

“Partnership between International Federations and organisations like Virtus is essential to building equitable, credible pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment within the Paralympic Movement.” 

The three organisations will continue working together to translate this shared strategic vision into practical action, supporting athletes, member federations and the long-term development of inclusive rowing worldwide. 

Virtus was immensely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Charmaine Hooper, CEO of World Ability Sport, on Friday.

Charmaine was an incredible advocate of sport for people with an impairment, leading our partner IOSD since 2007. She fought strongly for the rights, inclusion and recognition of people with a disability at all levels of sport and was a great friend to Virtus and sport for people with an intellectual impairment.

She began her work in the world of disability in the UK, after moving there from her native South Africa in 1999. After several years leading competitions and events at Disability Sport England, she took up a role at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) which later became known as World Ability Sport.

Virtus, the International Blind Sport Association, The Cerebral Palsy International Sport & Recreation Association and World Ability Sport – collectively known as the International Organisations of Sport for people with a Disability (IOSD’s) – were the founding members of the Paralympic movement, and we continue to work in partnership today to give people with an impairment the opportunity to excel in sport globally.

Robyn Smith, Virtus President, paid tribute to Charmaine saying “On behalf of the Virtus family and all the people who’s lives have been touched by Charmaine over so many years, I want to extend our condolences to her family and to her friends and colleagues at World Ability Sport. This is a terrible shock to everyone and a huge loss to the world of para sport. Her commitment and enthusiasm was unwavering and I want to thank her for everything she did for sport inclusion”.

World Ability Sport have opened a book of condolences and memories here.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Virtus, the International Sports Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties and promote the growth of tennis for athletes with intellectual impairments worldwide.

The agreement highlights a shared commitment to inclusion, with both organisations working to ensure tennis is accessible to all, regardless of disability-related barriers. It represents a significant step toward expanding participation opportunities and supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of tennis for players with intellectual impairment globally.

Under the MOU, Virtus will collaborate with the ITF to build a clearer understanding of the current landscape of tennis for athletes with intellectual impairment. This includes examining how the sport is organised and governed, the regulatory and classification frameworks that support competition, and the specific requirements of the playing environment.

The partnership will also allow the ITF to gain valuable insights into participation pathways, coaching structures, facilities, events, and the wider ecosystem that supports the sport. These insights will help shape future growth strategies and identify areas of alignment with other tennis disciplines, including wheelchair tennis.

Virtus will benefit from the ITF’s expertise as the global governing body for tennis, particularly in governance, classification, regulation, and the development of disability tennis disciplines. At the same time, Virtus continues to oversee a robust annual programme of regional and world-level competitions, operate transparent governance and classification systems, and actively expand tennis opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment worldwide. The agreement also encourages cooperation in promoting and developing key events and initiatives, while strengthening engagement with national tennis associations.

Aligned with the ITF’s 2024+4 strategy, the MOU reinforces the organisation’s constitutional commitment to universal participation and opposition to discrimination in all forms. It also reflects Virtus’ mission to provide fair, transparent, and high-quality sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment worldwide.

Through shared expertise and close collaboration, the ITF and Virtus aim to develop tennis for athletes with intellectual impairment at all levels, strengthening pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition.

For more information, visit: https://www.itftennis.com/en/

Eighteen-year-old Bhuvi Agarwal announced herself to the continental stage in unforgettable fashion at the Dubai 2025 Asian Para Youth Games, delivering a golden sweep in the T20 category. Competing in long jump, shot put, and the 400m race, the young Indian para-athlete with an intellectual impairment claimed three gold medals, turning her debut appearance at the Asian Para Youth Games into a powerful statement of belief, discipline and promise.

For Bhuvi, who began training at the age of nine, the moment felt almost unreal.

“Yes, I always dreamed of representing India one day, and I feel very happy to win gold for my country here,” she said, her smile reflecting years of quiet determination finally rewarded.

Behind her success stands a journey shaped by belief – belief that was planted early by her coach, Shorabh Verma, and nurtured every single day on the training track.

“All her life, she watched able-bodied athletes compete. I always told her, You can compete just like them. We train at Olympic-level facilities, and that environment motivates her every day to aim higher,” Verma explained.

Those emotions came flooding out in Dubai, where Bhuvi’s triumphs were witnessed firsthand by the two people who have stood closest to her journey – her mother and her coach – cheering from the sidelines as she crossed the finish line and claimed gold.

“I am extremely proud of Bhuvi. She trained so hard for this championship. Watching her win gold here, live, was an unforgettable feeling. This is her first Asian Para Youth Games, and it has given her tremendous confidence for the future,” her mother said, her voice filled with emotion.

Bhuvi’s dedication is relentless. She trains seven days a week, morning and evening, without rest days. Athletics is not just her sport – it is her passion.

“I don’t want to try other sports. I want to do everything in athletics,” she said firmly.

Her mother, who has never missed a training session – standing by her side through scorching summers and freezing winters – shared the pride felt back home.

“In India, everyone is so proud and happy that a girl is representing the country at the international level,” she said.

A student of Delhi Public School, Faridabad, Bhuvi also credits her school community for standing behind her dreams.

“My schoolmates supported me so much. I received messages, calls, and Instagram tags wishing me luck. The school is really proud,” Bhuvi said. Her mother echoed the gratitude, while Coach Verma highlighted the institution’s role:

“The school has given us unconditional support, even financial help. That kind of support allows children to dream bigger.”

Bhuvi has already shared the track with some of India’s finest para athletes, including Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevangi in the T20 400m.

“Yes, I’ve competed with her in Brisbane and at Khelo India. “I feel proud and happy to compete with her,” Bhuvi said.

Her coach sees that competition as inspiration rather than pressure.

“Deepthi is her competitor, and her level is very high. My dream is to train Bhuvi to reach that level – and even surpass it one day. But that requires relentless hard work from all of us: Bhuvi, her family, and me. Without commitment and support, none of this is possible,” Verma said.

When asked who she dedicates her medals to, Bhuvi answered without hesitation.

“To my coach and my mom,” she said. Then, with a laugh, she added when asked if she would keep one for herself, “I’ll earn more.”

With her unbreakable discipline, strong support system, and fearless ambition, Bhuvi Agarwal is doing more than winning gold medals in Dubai. She is redefining possibilities – and inspiring a new generation of Indian para athletes to believe that no dream is ever out of reach.