Celebrating The Story of Class II3: Virtus’ Newest Class for Athletes with Autism on World Autism Awareness Day
Every year on 2 April, the world marks World Autism Awareness Day, celebrating greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for people with autism worldwide. Virtus is proud to join this global celebration by sharing the story behind the creation of our newest eligibility class — II3.
In the evolving world of sport for athletes with neurological differences, Virtus took another step toward inclusivity with the creation of the II3 class – designed specifically for athletes with autism. For the first time in the history of sports, athletes with autism had a competition class of their own.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological condition that affects people in many different ways. It is a spectrum, meaning some individuals may be mildly affected, while others face significant challenges in thinking, processing information, or interacting with others. For some, autism may have little or no impact on their ability to compete in sport – and may even provide unique strengths. For others, however, the challenges are real, and competing in mainstream sport can be daunting.
Development of the II3 class
Many athletes competing in II1 for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) also have autism, but some athletes with autism do not have ID, and there was a growing demand from athletes and their supporters to provide sporting opportunities for them. Hence, in 2020, Virtus started work to create a competition class, II3, specifically for athletes with autism.
In order to remain evidence-based and ensure a robust and fair process of eligibility for entry into this class, some research was required. This was carried out by Dr Anna East and Prof Jan Burns from Canterbury Christ Church University and focused on how autism was assessed across nations. This allowed Virtus to develop a list of reliable and validated assessments that can be used as evidence of the condition to apply for eligibility.
II3 provides a fair and structured competition environment for those athletes whose autism affects their sporting performance. Athletes with both autism and ID may compete in II1 or II2 alongside other athletes with intellectual disabilities, whereas II3 is specifically designed for those who face unique challenges due to autism specifically.
The class recognises that athletes on the spectrum can be exceptional competitors when given the right support and opportunities. It ensures they can compete nationally and internationally against others with similar experiences, creating a level playing field where performance, preparation, and talent matter most.
“Some autistic athletes can manage in mainstream sport, but many face barriers that aren’t recognised or accommodated. II3 exists because inclusion isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all — it ensures those athletes also have a fair pathway to compete.” Prof Jan Burns, previous Head of Eligibility and Researcher.
“I am really happy that a group for people with Autism have been founded, so that we can participate in the sport we love and on the same terms as everyone else”, said Maria-Kjer Rasmussen, II3 swimmer from Denmark, who won multiple gold medals at the GG2023.
The II3 class was supported and celebrated by athletes with an intellectual impairment, who have or might not have autism too.
“I think it is a very big step because there are many young kids with Autism and they have the right to participate and train for sport,” said Lenine Cunha, Virtus Ambassador, Athlete council chairperson and IPCs Athletes’ Council member.
“That’s really cool, and it’s nice that is moving forward to include athletes with Autism as well as just learning disabilities, because I have got Autism on top of learning disabilities. So it’s nice to know that both sides are now going to be supported, and it’s really exciting that autistic athletes are gonna have to their own category, so that would be really cool to have them included,” said Jessica-Jane Applegate, Virtus Ambassador and multiple-time Paralympic Champion.
The II3 class was introduced as a full competition event at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.
Since then, the II3 has grown rapidly in the past few years. Currently, around 460 athletes are registered in the class, and the number is expected to grow. Athletes competing in this category are redefining success and raising performance standards across multiple sports. From record-breaking swimmers such as Axel Parisot (FRA) and Kate Wallington (AUS), to the resilience displayed on the tennis court by Hayden Ballard and Hunter Thompson (AUS), and the remarkable rise of cyclist Dastan Ordabay (KAZ) and track athlete Luca Venturili (ITA), athletes with autism continue to elevate the level of competition with every championship they enter.
By opening a dedicated pathway for athletes with autism, Virtus is expanding opportunities for athletes to compete within a classification that recognises their specific needs and strengths. While many athletes with autism already compete successfully in mainstream sport, the II3 class provides an additional platform for athletes to participate in a fair and structured international competition pathway. II3 is not simply a new classification – it represents another opportunity for athletes with autism to showcase their abilities on the world stage, to compete on equitable terms, and to be recognised for their skill, determination, and potential.
As Virtus celebrates 40 years of existence, we celebrate the hard work of the researchers who established this class, and the athletes who are raising the bar of Virtus II3 competition.
