Virtus General Assembly 2025: New Leadership Elected in Cairo

The 2025 Virtus General Assembly, held in Cairo, Egypt, marked an important moment in the organisation’s history with the election of a new Governing Board.

Robyn Smith OAM from Australia was elected as the first-ever female President of Virtus, following her distinguished service as Vice-President. Her election represents a significant step forward in Virtus’ ongoing commitment to inclusion and leadership diversity.

After eight years as President, Marc Truffaut concluded his successful tenure. In his final address, he reflected on Virtus’ major achievements under his leadership — including the launch of the Virtus Academy, the creation of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF), and the strengthening of partnerships with the Paralympic Movement.

Truffaut also highlighted one of Virtus’ proudest milestones: the election of Lenine Cunha to the IPC Athletes’ Council.

“His presence there is a historic symbol of recognition and respect for athletes with intellectual impairment. It is proof that Virtus athletes now have a voice at the heart of the Paralympic Movement. Eight years ago, this was only a dream. Today, it is a global reality. What unites us is more than sport. It’s a shared belief in dignity, respect, and opportunity. Virtus is not just a federation — it is a family. A family that believes that talent, commitment, and courage define an athlete — not a diagnosis. That is our legacy.”

New Vice-President from Central Asia

Dina Temirgaliyeva of Kazakhstan was elected as the new Vice-President of Virtus. Her appointment marks a new chapter of regional growth and inclusion, particularly for nations across Central Asia.

In her address to members, she said:

“Being elected Vice President of Virtus is a great honour and responsibility — not just for me personally, but for the entire team in Kazakhstan. Our journey with Virtus began three years ago with one important meeting — and since then, it has changed many lives, including mine. Together with our athletes, coaches, volunteers, and national partners, we have made meaningful progress: three international championships held in Kazakhstan, legal reforms to support athletes with intellectual impairments, and growing visibility of inclusion in our country.”

Temirgaliyeva expressed her gratitude to Virtus members for their confidence:

“I want to thank all Virtus members for their trust. This is a shared result — and it motivates me to continue working with passion, commitment and care. My goal is to bring more countries to the Virtus family, particularly from Central Asia, to build strong global partnerships, and to make sure that more II-athletes have access to opportunities and recognition they truly deserve.”

She also congratulated the newly elected President:

“I sincerely congratulate Robyn Smith on being elected as the first woman President of Virtus. I look forward to supporting her strong and inspiring leadership as we enter a new chapter together.”

New Secretary General Elected

With Barry Holman’s tenure as Secretary General concluding, the position was also open for election. Yossi Romano from Israel was elected as the new Secretary General of Virtus.

In his message, he said:

“Dear Virtus members, your vote of confidence has just reached me back in my country. I’m honoured to take the role of Secretary General of our organisation. Like many of you who are professionally and voluntarily involved in Virtus, I know that the board is expected to lead and develop the organisation — both in the number of athletes and in the quality of representation and service we provide. I congratulate all my fellow board members for their election and look forward to fulfilling our obligations to the members and athletes.”

Regional Board Representatives

Several regional seats were also contested in this election cycle.

From Virtus Americas, Miguel Caraballo from Puerto Rico was elected to represent the region on the Governing Board.

“First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to serve others from different platforms, and I trust that my time on the Virtus Sport board will be no exception. The Americas will have my commitment and support for the benefit of athletes with disabilities and every country in my hemisphere,” Miguel told Virtus.

Virtus Europe will now be represented by Catherine Fayollet (France) and Javier Gutierrez (Spain).

“I am very honoured to join this community. I look forward to working with our global family to promote excellence and ensure that every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential – proving every day that sport has no limits, only possibilities,” said Javier Gutierrez

In addition, Rana Mohamed Nabih Abdelfattah Gamal from Egypt was elected to represent the African region.

Rana shared her vision for Virtus Africa:

“I am deeply passionate about the role of sport in creating inclusion, empowerment, and social change. For more than two decades, I have been working in Egypt to drive change, and I will dedicate my expertise and network to advancing the growth of Virtus Africa and ensuring that athletes with intellectual impairment are empowered to achieve their full potential.”

She continued:

“First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to serve others from different platforms, and I trust that my time on the Virtus Sport Board will be no exception. The Americas will have my commitment and support for the benefit of athletes with disabilities and every country in my hemisphere.”

Rana has served as a Board Member of ESFID, the Virtus member organisation in Egypt, since 2016. She is also the Vice Chair of the Chamber of Egyptian Food Industries and Chairperson of the Women in Business Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries. In her new role, she will lead and represent Virtus’ African nations on the Governing Board.

Virtus is thrilled to have the new Governing Board members and looks forward to their leadership.