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.

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.