World Intellectual Disability Day Returns on 25 July for Its Second Global Celebration

Virtus – the International Sport Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment is delighted to announce the second annual World Intellectual Disability Day, to be celebrated on 25 July 2026. 

World Intellectual Disability Day was established by Virtus in 2025 to raise awareness of intellectual disability, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to share their stories, achievements, aspirations, and contributions. It brings together individuals, families, organisations, educators, employers, advocates, and communities in a shared commitment to inclusion, respect, and opportunity.

The 2026 theme, “This is Me – This is Us,” celebrates both individuality and belonging.

For many people with an intellectual disability, the challenges they face are often misunderstood because their disability is not ‘visible’. As a result, they are too often defined by the things they cannot do rather than being recognised for their talents, achievements, and potential. World Intellectual Disability Day provides an opportunity to change that narrative by ensuring people with an intellectual disability can tell their own stories and be celebrated for who they are.

It encourages people with an intellectual disability to share who they are, what they are proud of, and the goals and dreams that inspire them. It recognises the friendships, families, teams, schools, workplaces, and communities that support and empower people with an intellectual disability, highlighting the strength that comes from connection and belonging.

To mark the day, people around the world are invited to share short videos, photos, and stories on social media, highlighting their achievements, aspirations, and everyday experiences. Organisations, schools, sports clubs, workplaces, and community groups are also encouraged to join the celebration. A range of digital resources has been developed by Virtus to support participation and can be downloaded from the official campaign webpage.

This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it forms part of the 40th anniversary of Virtus, marking four decades of advancing inclusion and sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual disability. Since 1986, Virtus has helped create pathways for athletes to compete at the highest levels of international sport and has played a leading role in promoting recognition, respect, and excellence across the global intellectual disability community.

As Virtus celebrates this important milestone, World Intellectual Disability Day offers an opportunity to recognise the progress that has been made while continuing to advocate for a future where people with an intellectual disability are fully included, empowered, and valued in every aspect of society.

On 25 July, the world is invited to listen, learn, and celebrate.

This is Me – This is Us.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986