Virtus Launches ‘Athlete Council’ With Lenine Cunha Being Appointed As Chair At Cairo

For many years, Virtus has engaged directly with athletes at events around the world — listening to their ideas, experiences, and aspirations. Now, we are taking a bold step forward to ensure that athletes remain at the very heart of everything we do.

At the 2025 Virtus General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, history was made with the official announcement of the Virtus Athletes’ Council — a new body dedicated to strengthening athlete representation and voice within the organisation.

Recognising his exceptional achievements and leadership, the Virtus Governing Board has appointed Virtus Ambassador and IPC Athletes’ Council member, Lenine Cunha of Portugal, as the Chair of the Virtus Athletes’ Council.

Lenine is widely known for his remarkable sporting career and lifelong advocacy for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Over more than three decades of competition, he has earned an extraordinary 261 international medals across Virtus and Paralympic events — a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for inclusive sport.

The newly elected Virtus Athletes’ Council Chair, Lenine Cunha, gave a Keynote Speech and announced the launch of the council.

“It is with great pride that I stand here today — not only as a Paralympic athlete, but as someone who truly believes in the transformative power of sport. Over the past years — and especially this last one —I’ve had the privilege of serving on the International Paralympic Athletes’ Council. It has been an intense, inspiring, and deeply meaningful experience. I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to Virtus for selecting me to join the International Paralympic Athletes’ Council. It is an honour to represent and contribute to the development of Paralympic sport at a global level.”

He dedicated his achievement of being elected to the IPC’s Council to the Virtus family and urged them to ‘fight for greater inclusion, opportunities, and recognition for athletes around the world.’

“I have learned that Paralympic sport is about much more than competition. It is about giving a voice to those who are too often unheard. It is about opening doors where there used to be walls.”

“And for me, that mission has a very special face: The face of athletes with intellectual disabilities.”

He spoke passionately about advocating for athletes with intellectual disabilities, sharing:

“This past year, I have worked every single day to ensure that these athletes are seen, respected, and included fairly. I’ve worked to make sure their talent and dedication are recognised — not just every four years — but every day: on the tracks, in the fields, in the pools, and in the decisions that shape the future of the Paralympic Movement.”

Acknowledging the challenges, he noted that while progress can be slow, every moment when an athlete feels truly heard reinforces that the movement is on the right path.

“Being part of the Council taught me that true inclusion is not just a beautiful word — it’s constant action. It’s fighting to make sure that everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of the type of disability. And it’s reminding the world that sport, above all, is a space of dignity, courage, and hope.”

Lenine concluded with a heartfelt message to his fellow athletes:

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent athletes with intellectual disabilities. They are living proof that talent has no limits — that strength is not only measured in results, but in the ability to persist, believe, and inspire. To all Paralympic athletes, especially to athletes with intellectual disabilities, I want to say this — from the bottom of my heart: You are the reason I never stop fighting. Your value is infinite. And the future — your future — is bright.

“A Paralympic athlete, advocate and sometimes a coach from Portugal”.

Every competition is more than a fight for results; it’s a celebration of strength, perseverance, and the true spirit of Paralympic sport”.

Lenine was joined remotely by the other members of the new Virtus Athletes’ Council:

1. Haleigh Bates (II3) from the United States of America.
2. Dimitrios Arapoglou (II1) from Greece.
3. Madeleine McTernan (II1) from Australia.

The Virtus Council Members will serve on the council for 4 years and may serve up to two consecutive terms. However, in this first council, members will serve until Global Games 2027.

Through the council, athletes will now be able to share their ideas, help shape Virtus’ strategic plans, and make sure Virtus stays focused on athletes.

Virtus is delighted to have this new direct access to the voices of athletes and looks forward to hearing and taking forward their contributions.