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LATEST NEWS

Bangkok to Host the 2026 VIBF 3x3 World Cup

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Thirty five years of Teamwork, Passion and Inclusion: The Story of Virtus Basketball

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VIBF Commission Representatives – (voluntary – multiple positions)

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Australia Clinches Gold as VIBF Basketball Championship Wraps Up in Spectacular Fashion

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Australia and Portugal To Go Head-To-Head In The Finals VIBF 5x5 World Basketball Championship

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Australia Wins Women’s 5x5 Basketball Gold in Astana

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VIBF 5x5 World Basketball Championships Kicks Off At Astana, Kazakhstan

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Day1 - Pool Standings Report

Day 1 - Results

Schedule World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand

Women’s teams
Rank Pool A Rank Pool B
1 Australia Green
2 Japan
3 Australia Gold
4 Poland
5
Men’s teams
Rank Pool A Rank Pool B
1 France 2 Portugal
4 Australia Gold 3 Australia Green
5 Japan 6 Poland
8 USA 7 Italy
9 Israel 10

Day 2 – Wednesday 4 November

Time Court 1 Game
10.00 Australia Green Japan 19
10.25 France Australia Gold 20
10.50 USA Israel 21
11.15 Portugal Australia Green 22
11.40 BREAK
12.05
12.30 B4 A5 23
12.55 WSF1 1 v 4 24
13.20 WSF2 2 v 3 25
13.45 MQF1 A1 v W23 26
14.10 MQF2 A3 v B2 27
14.35 MQF3 A2 v B3 28
15.00 MQF4 A4 v B1 29
15.25 BREAK
15.50
16.15 MSF1 W26 v W27 30
16.40 MSF2 W28 v W29 31
17.05 M5-8 L28 v L29 32
17.30 M5-8 L26 v L27 33
17.55
20.00DISCUSSION: WOMEN AND GIRLS IN BASKETBALL STRATEGY20.30
20.30DISCUSSION: ESTABLSIHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR CATEGORY21.00

Day 3 – Thursday 5 November

Time Court 1 Game
10.00 M7-8 L32 v L33 34
10.25 M5-6 W32 v W33 35
10.50 M3-4 L30 v L331 36
11.15 W3-4 L24 v L25 37
11.40 W1-2 W24 v W25 38
12.05 M1-2 W30 v W31 39
12.30
13.00MEDAL CEREMONY15.00
17.00CLOSING CEREMONY20.00

WHAT’S ON

2025 VIBF World Basketball Championship

Astana, Kazakhstan , Kazakhstan

We are delighted to announce that Astana-Kazakhstan will host the 2025 Virtus World Basketball Championships, featuring top-level competition for II1, II2 and II3 athletes. The event will be organized by […]

2026 Virtus Asia-Oceania Games

Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok, Thailand

Virtus is excited to announce that the second edition of the Virtus Asia-Oceania Games will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from November 20 to November 30, 2026. Hosted by the Sports Association for Intellectual Disability of […]

2026 – Virtus Americas Regional Games, Peru

2026 – Virtus European Regional Games, Poland

2027 – Virtus Global Games, Cairo, Egypt

Get to know us

About VIBF

The Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) is the world governing body for basketball for players with an intellectual impairment, with a membership base of over 85 nations. With a mission to drive the development of elite basketball worldwide for players with an intellectual impairment, the VIBF is responsible for promoting, developing and overseeing the sport worldwide, including the conduct of 3×3 and 5×5 world and regional championships.

Basketball 3×3

3×3 basketball is a fast-paced, urban variation of basketball played with three players on each team in a half-court setting, with one hoop. It’s known for its exciting, condensed format, where the game is typically 10 minutes long and the first team to 21 points wins. The shorter game time, 12-second shot clock, and continuous play create a dynamic and thrilling experience. The simple rules and accessibility make it a great option for people of all skill levels.

Key Features:

  • Players: Two teams of three players, with two substitutes each.
  • Court: A half-court with one hoop.
  • Scoring: Shots inside the arc are worth one point, and shots outside the arc are worth two points.
  • Game Length: 10 minutes, or the first team to 21 points wins.
  • Shot Clock: 12 seconds.
  • Continuous Play: No breaks after scoring, no halftime.

Basketball 5×5

Traditional 5×5 basketball, often called “traditional basketball” or simply “basketball,” is a team sport where two teams of five players each compete on a full-sized court to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop. The game involves strategic play, quick decision-making, and physical skills, with the aim of out-manoeuvring the opposing team and gaining control of the ball to score.

Key features:

  • Players: Two teams of five players on the court at any given time.
  • Court: Traditional basketball is played on a full-sized court, typically 28 metres long and 15 metres wide.
  • Scoring: Points are scored by shooting the ball through the hoop. Shots inside the arc are worth two points, while shots outside the arc (three-pointers) are worth three points. Free throws are worth one point.
  • Game Length: A 5×5 basketball game typically lasts 40 minutes, divided into four 10-minute quarters.
  • Shot clock: 24 seconds.
  • Game Structure: The game involves various skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defence. Players are assigned different positions (eg, guard, forward, centre) based on their roles on the team.

PATRONS

Lorraine Landon

International Olympic Committee Women in Sport Award recipient | Patron – Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF)

Lorraine Landon OAM, is a trailblazing Australian sports administrator with decades of experience across basketball and inclusive sport.  A former elite player and coach, Lorraine rose to become the first woman to manage teams in both the Australian National Basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League, guiding the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames through highly successful seasons.  As Team Manager of the Australian Women’s Basketball Team, the Opals, she played a key role in their historic fourth-place finish at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, laying the foundation for future Opal’s success. 

Lorraine was instrumental in the delivery of the basketball competitions at the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has served in senior roles with Basketball Australia, the Australian Women’s National Basketball League, and the FIBA Women’s Commission. 

A passionate advocate for inclusive sport, Lorraine is a Director of Sport Inclusion Australia and has worked at all levels to develop meaningful opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment.  Her leadership has helped increase visibility, access, and pathways for these athletes both nationally and internationally. 

Recognised with numerous honours including the IOC Women in Sport Award, FIBA Merit Award, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Basketball Australia and Basketball New South Wales Hall of Fame and the Medal of the Order of Australia, Lorraine continues to champion equity, inclusion, and excellence in sport. 

Brett Brown

NBA Coach | Patron – Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF)

The Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) is proud to have Brett Brown one of the NBA’s most elite experienced coaches as a Patron of our organisation. 

Brett has coached in the prestigious league for over 20 years and been the leader of some of the world’s best basketball athletes.  His long and successful connection to the game in pro leagues and international competition has enhanced the respect and regard in which he is held. 

A star player at South Portland High School, coached by his astute father, he then headed to Coach Rick Pitino’s Boston University team where he was captain.  Post his college career his appetite for coaching was relentless. 

Brett ventured to Australia in 1988 taking up an assistant coaches’ role before securing Head Coach of the North Melbourne Giants in 1993.  The Giants won Australia’s NBL title in 1994 and Brett was named Coach of the Year.  The Australian National Men’s Team (the Boomers) acquired his services as an Assistant Coach from 1995 to 2003 and he became the Boomers Head Coach at the 2012 London Olympic Games.  During that time, Brett had been an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA since 2007. 

Brett has shown a level resilience during his coaching journey but equally a depth of passion and desire to holistically develop the people that he leads.  When he took up the role as Head Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers he was resolute in making sure the franchise gave back to their community.  This was authentically demonstrated when he introduced an annual event, “Bounce Out the Stigma Clinic” a basketball clinic for kids with autism. 

Brett “knows” what it means for basketball players to be provided support and encouragement whilst exploring their own potential and what they are capable of, even if they have an intellectual impairment.  Representing their nation in international competition is the highest achievement any basketball player can aspire to. 

Brett is the proud father of a daughter (Julia) who has a developmental impairment who has successfully navigated her life’s journey.  The café where Julia works enables people with an impairment the opportunity to deliver a service to the community and have meaningful employment.  Brett is extremely proud of the fact that Julia has paid employment which makes her feel happy that she is a productive member of society. 

Brett is extremely supportive of the VIBF’s mandate and the positive focus it can create and deliver for athletes with an intellectual impairment and as Patron, the VIBF remain grateful and appreciative of his acceptance as our Patron. 

Abay Alpamyssov

Global Sports Leader | Governance and Finance Expert | Advocate for International Basketball Development

Abay Alpamyssov is a highly respected international sports administrator and senior executive whose career spans elite basketball governance, national Olympic leadership, public policy, and global finance. With more than three decades of experience across government, investment, and sport, Alpamyssov brings a rare combination of strategic oversight, institutional credibility, and deep knowledge of international basketball systems.

A central figure in basketball governance in Central Asia, Alpamyssov has served as President of the Central Asia Basketball Association since 2011 and has held multiple terms as President of the National Basketball Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening regional basketball structures, enhancing international engagement, and advancing governance standards aligned with global best practice. 

At the international level, Alpamyssov currently serves as a Member of the FIBA Asia Board, contributing to the strategic development of basketball across one of the world’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions.  His appointment reflects the high level of trust he commands within the global basketball community and his ability to navigate complex international sporting environments. 

Beyond sport, Alpamyssov is a senior governance and financial leader.  He is Chairman of the Audit Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, an Independent Director across multiple corporate boards, and a former chief executive and board member of major national investment and development institutions managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios.  His experience spans public finance, capital markets, infrastructure, and state asset reform—providing exceptional insight into accountability, sustainability, and institutional resilience. 

Academically, Alpamyssov holds qualifications in applied mathematics, a PhD in economics, and an Executive MBA, complemented by professional certifications in risk management and corporate governance, including training with the Institute of Directors (London).  He is fluent in Kazakh, Russian and English, with working proficiency in French, reinforcing his effectiveness in multinational and multicultural settings. 

As a Patron of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), Abay Alpamyssov lends his authority and experience to advancing inclusive, well-governed international basketball pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment.  His patronage strengthens VIBF’s engagement with international federations, Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders, governments and institutional partners, reinforcing the federation’s commitment to excellence, integrity and global collaboration. 

Abay Alpamyssov exemplifies the values of principled leadership, strategic vision and international cooperation — qualities that are central to VIBF’s mission to ensure basketball is truly accessible, credible and inclusive at the highest levels of world sport. 

Emmeline Ndongue 

Olympic Medallist | Global Athlete Leader | Advocate for Education and Inclusive Sport | Patron – Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF)

Emmeline Ndongue is one of France’s most distinguished basketball players and a globally respected leader in athlete development, education and sport governance.  Born in Auxerre, France, Ndongue represented the French women’s national basketball team on 196 occasions between 2002 and 2013, earning international recognition for her consistency, professionalism and leadership. 

A highlight of her playing career came at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she was a key member of the French team that secured the silver medal. Ndongue also competed at the highest professional level, including a season in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, and was inducted into the French Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sport. 

Following her elite playing career, Ndongue transitioned seamlessly into leadership and education roles within the global sport system.  She served on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, where she was responsible for education projects, reinforcing the critical link between sport, learning and long-term athlete development.  She is also a member of the High-Level Athletes College of the Fédération Française de Basketball (FFBB), contributing athlete insight to national policy and strategic decision-making. 

As a Patron of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), Emmeline Ndongue brings an athlete-centred perspective grounded in Olympic experience, education and inclusion.  She is a strong advocate for creating meaningful, dignified and sustainable opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment, and for ensuring that high-performance sport systems remain accessible, values-driven and socially responsible. 

Emmeline Ndongue’s career reflects excellence on the court and leadership beyond it.  Her patronage strengthens VIBF’s global voice by bridging elite performance, education, and inclusive sport — helping ensure that basketball continues to serve as a powerful platform for opportunity, empowerment and international connection.

Liz Mills 

Trailblazer in African Basketball | Advocate for Inclusive Sport | Patron – Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) 

Coach Liz Mills is an Australian basketball coach whose pioneering leadership has left an enduring impact on the African basketball landscape.  With over twelve years of experience coaching across the continent, Mills has played a transformative role in elevating men’s teams and inspiring future generations of players and coaches. 

Since 2011, Mills has focused on coaching senior men’s national and club teams across Africa.  In 2021, she made history as the first female head coach to lead a men’s team at a FIBA continental championship, guiding the Kenyan national team to a landmark performance.  A year later, she broke new ground again as the first female head coach in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). 

Throughout her career, Mills has been known not only for her strategic acumen and ability to develop local talent, but also for challenging gender norms in a traditionally male-dominated field.  Her leadership has consistently emphasized professionalism, adaptability, and a deep commitment to building competitive, resilient teams. 

As one of the few women coaching at high levels of men’s basketball in Africa, Mills serves as a role model for aspiring coaches around the world.  She is a passionate advocate for gender equality in sport, working to ensure female coaches and athletes are respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

In her role as Patron of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), Mills continues to champion inclusive sport.  She actively supports initiatives that expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments, advocating for actionable inclusion that goes beyond intent. In her words, inclusive sport requires “all of us” to act. 

Coach Liz Mills exemplifies the power of visionary leadership, breaking barriers while uplifting communities, teams, and the game of basketball itself. 

LINKS

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)

Links

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