Virtus Sport

With an astounding 353 votes, ranking 1st among all candidates, Virtus Ambassador Lenine Cunha has been elected to the IPC Athletes' Council, making history as the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to be nominated and elected to the council. "The athletes' voice embodies sport’s heart and soul, advocating for change and ensuring rights. It unites the community, inspires others, and fosters inclusivity. I aim to amplify the voices of athletes with intellectual impairments," said Lenine Cunha. Congratulations to Lenine Cunha! A heartfelt thank you to all the athletes who voted and helped create this historic moment. Together, we are breaking barriers and continuing the movement for change! #VirtusSport #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #Paralympics #BreakingBarriers #VirtusFamily #InclusionMatters Marc Truffaut Robyn Smith OAM Barry Holman Nithi Suppiah Mousumi Mazumdar

Paralympians aren’t playing games at Paris 2024. They’re here to compete, not just participate.  ➡️ https://lnkd.in/giMnJWSd

Virtus congratulates the French Alps for winning the bid to host the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games! The official IOC announcement stated: “It will be the first edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to fully integrate the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, as well as new requirements on sustainability set by the IOC’s Olympic Host Contract.” This aligns perfectly with Virtus' campaign for re-inclusion, promoting inclusivity, equality, and diversity in sports. Virtus is once again calling on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Ski and Snowboarding Federation (FIS) to take the necessary steps to achieve re-inclusion for athletes with intellectual impairments in time for the 2030 Games. Athletes with intellectual impairments had full medal status at the 1998 Nagano Winter Paralympic Games in Cross Country Skiing. While some events are included in the Summer Paralympic Games, our winter athletes are still waiting. Virtus and its members are committed to fighting for the re-inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairments in the Winter Paralympics. We call on global support for inclusion and equity. #InclusionMatters #VirtusSport #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #Equality #WinterParalympics #FrenchAlps2030

Virtus Sport, the International Sport Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment, has announced its media team for the upcoming Summer Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 including two former Paralympians. The team will be reporting on the events for athletes with intellectual impairments in athletics, swimming, and table tennis. Meet the Paris 2024 Virtus media team👇 1️⃣Virtus Ambassador and two-time Paralympic champion, Jessica-Jane Applegate Mbe from Great Britain 2️⃣Virtus Ambassador and London 2012 Bronze medallist, Lenine Cunha from Portugal 3️⃣Virtus Marketing and Communication Officer, Mousumi Mazumdar from India 4️⃣ Former Brazilian Para athlete and media professional, Taiana Lopes from Brazil Keep following Virtus Sport for more updates! #VirtusSport #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #AthleteFirst #Paris2024

In one month, hundreds of athletes with intellectual impairment from various countries will make their way to #Paris2024 Paralympic Games to compete across three sports- Swimming, Athletics and Table Tennis to showcase thwir talent and inspire the new generation. Let make their struggle and success stories visible through #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE campaign launched by Virtus Sport! . #VirtusSport #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE

Did you know that the first ever Virtus Global Games took place in Bollnäs, Sweden, twenty years ago today? From its humble beginnings to becoming the pinnacle of elite sports events for athletes with intellectual impairments, the Global Games have grown tremendously. Starting with athletes from 29 countries in Bollnäs 2004 to 47 countries in Vichy 2023, and expanding from one competition class to three, the Games have made remarkable strides in showcasing athletic prowess and inclusivity on a global stage. As Virtus celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Global Games, the future looks brighter than ever. These Games continue to provide a platform for athletes with intellectual impairments to shine, foster international friendships, and promote inclusivity in sports. With each edition, the Global Games grow not only in scale but also in their impact, inspiring athletes worldwide and paving the way for greater participation in the Paralympic Games. Read some cherishing memories in our article below shared by Lenine Cunha Pereira Jcp and Kelly Wren who have attended all six Global Games editions and have enjoyed each one of them. Happy Bollnäs 2004 20th anniversary! #VirtusSport #AthleteFirst #GlobalGames #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE

Want to know more about the 'Doping Control Test'? Join our upcoming seminar on the 'Doping Control Test' on 30th July at 2 pm (British Standard Time). Educate and prepare yourself for the Doping Control Test with our Anti-Doping Awareness Program! Register now: https://lnkd.in/guq7rE5C . #VirtusSport #PlayTrue #CleanSport Juliana Soares

For the first time in history, an athlete with an intellectual impairment has been nominated by Virtus Sport and shortlisted by IPC for the IPC Athletes’ Council election. Virtus is thrilled to announce that our very own Ambassador, Lenine Cunha has been shortlisted as one of the 26 candidates nominated for election during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. These elections will fill six summer representative roles on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council. “The IPC’s Athletes’ Council holds a prestigious position as the voice of athletes with various impairments. However, there is currently no one representing athletes with intellectual impairment within the IPC’s Athletes’ Council — a significant gap that I hope to fill. With approximately 2-3% of the global population living with intellectual impairment, it is important that we have representation in the IPC’s Athletes’ Council," says Lenine Cunha. The election will be held from 26 August to 5 September in PLY House, near the Main Dining Hall in the Paralympic Village, and in the Athlete Lounge at Chateauroux Village for Shooting Para sports athletes. Virtus urges all athletes competing at Paris 2024, especially those with intellectual impairments, to vote. If elected, Lenine Cunha will be the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to join the IPC Athletes’ Council. This will be a historic moment for Lenine, Virtus, and the inclusion of millions of past, current, and future athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. #VirtusSport #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE #AthleteFirst #VoiceOfAthletes #InclusionMatters #Paris2024 Comité Paralímpico de Portugal insidethegames.biz Paris 2024 - Comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024

This month, we're going to talk about Anti-Doping Tests! Anti-doping tests or Doping Control tests are important to ensure the integrity of sports and the health of athletes. They help keep the competition fair and free from prohibited substances. Let’s dive deeper into the Doping control testing with Polish team coach- Rafael Gasek. There are different types of tests and time to be tested. From in-competition tests to out-of-competition tests, athletes can be asked to provide samples at any time. We'll explore the details of each type of test and what athletes need to know to always be prepared. Remember: the goal of anti-doping tests is not to punish athletes but to protect them and ensure a healthy and fair sporting environment for everyone. Knowing the rules and procedures is essential to avoid problems and maintain the integrity of the sport. Don't miss this opportunity to inform yourself and be better prepared for anti-doping tests. Together, we can keep sports clean and fair for everyone! Stay tuned for our upcoming posts related to doping control tests. #VirtusSport #CleanSport #IntegrityInSport #FairPlay Juliana Soares Mousumi Mazumdar

Virtus Ambassador Jessica-Jane Applegate Mbe was recently spotted on the cover page of the UK’s The Big Issue Learning Disability Week edition, “Do You See Me?” The magazine was created in association with Mencap, by people with an intellectual impairment to help illustrate what they go through, celebrate their vital place in society, and present an edition from their perspective as they wanted it built. . Talking about the ignorance she faced from society, getting questions like "Do you know anyone who looks more disabled than you who we could use for a TV advert?” or "“What’s wrong with you? Broken an eyelash?”, Jessica highlights sponsorship issues she faced in her athletic career. #VirtusSport #AthleteFirst #MakingInvisibleVISIBLE