April 19th marks a significant occasion in the world of sports – it’s celebrated globally as ‘PLAY TRUE’ day, launched by World Anti-Doping Agency – WADA exactly a decade ago. The origin of Play True Day traces back to an Education Conference convened by WADA in 2013, attended by representatives from 17 Latin American countries. Since its inception in 2014, Play True Day has evolved into an annual global celebration, dedicated to promoting clean sport and raising awareness about the imperative of doping prevention among athletes, sporting enthusiasts, and the broader community.  

This year, Virtus Sport is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural ‘Anti-Doping Awareness Program’, reaffirming its commitment to clean and fair competition. As a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, Virtus stands firm in its resolve to combat doping in all its forms. 

Virtus Sport Anti-Doping Officer, Juliana Soares, spearheading our awareness program, stated, 

“I am thrilled with the launch of this campaign and the unwavering support from the entire Virtus team and our partners. Anti-doping education for athletes with intellectual impairments is as important as it is for any other athlete, and thus, we have initiated the “Virtus Anti-Doping Awareness Program.” 

“This initiative aims to equip athletes with simple yet effective tools, fostering a proactive and engaging approach towards understanding anti-doping principles.” 

“We see this project as a way for our athletes to understand anti-doping better and feel sure about it. Athletes with an intellectual impairment need to know that they are an important part of the sports community and must follow WADA rules. At Virtus, we promise to help them with the right guidance and support they need.” 

The Anti-Doping Educational Program aims to empower athletes, coaches, parents, and National Member Organisations with vital knowledge and resources to uphold the principles of clean sport. Through engaging visual content and educational videos, we’ll cover a range of topics, including: 

• What is anti-doping? 
• List of prohibited items 
• The doping test process 
• Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) 
• Rights and duties of athletes, coaches, parents, and Virtus Sport  members 
• Consequences of doping 

In addition to these resources, Virtus will host monthly online seminars, diving into each topic in-depth and providing participants with valuable insights and practical advice. To make learning interactive and enjoyable, we’ll conclude each month with a fun quiz in the form of multiple-choice questions, hosted on Virtus’ Instagram page. 

On this Play True Day, Virtus Sport invites you to join us in championing the values of integrity, fairness, and respect in sport. Together, let’s take a stand for clean competition and inspire a culture of honesty and accountability. 

For more information, visit the Virtus Anti-Doping program page.

Call for Participation: Shape the Future of Anti-Doping Education  

Virtus is teaming up with researchers from Canterbury Christ Church University to elevate the quality of anti-doping materials delivered by Virtus Sport, and we need your input! 

Join us for engaging discussions scheduled for May 1st, May 31st, and June 28th. Your feedback is invaluable in refining future anti-doping content to be both effective and engaging. 

 Eligibility: 

• Athletes must belong to the II1 Class. 
• Participants must have watched the anti-doping educational videos and attended the seminar delivered by Virtus. 

This is your chance to share what you enjoyed about the session and program and provide feedback on how it could be improved. 

As a token of our appreciation for your time and contribution, participants will receive £75 compensation. 

Interested athletes are requested to contact the lead researcher, Philip Hurst philip.hurst@canterbury.ac.uk to book the place (please note, that spaces are limited, so this will be a first come first serve basis). 

Let’s pave the way for a cleaner, fairer, and more informed sporting landscape together. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and make a tangible impact on anti-doping education. 

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), World Abilitysport and Virtus have begun work on a new collaboration which will see the three organisations share resources and knowledge for the benefit of Para athletes and their stakeholders around the world.

The founding members of the Paralympic movement have been in operation for many decades. IBSA has helped develop sports for people with vision impairments whilst World Abilitysport – following a recent merge with the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CPISRA) – has taken care of sports for people with physical impairments and Virtus for people with intellectual impairments and Autism.

IBSA is the international federation for the Paralympic sports of goalball, blind football and judo as well as other non-Paralympic sports. World Abilitysport is the international federation for wheelchair fencing and powerchair hockey and has recently taken on the governance for World Para Dance Sport.

Athletes in action from Blind Football at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Thomas Lovelock.

Each organisation also independently organise a regular calendar of Games and competitions and is responsible for advocating for their respective communities and Para athletes. They are recognised individually as International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs) by the International Paralympic Committee.

The new three-way partnership will see joint working in common areas such as anti-doping, media and communications and broadcasting.

IBSA President, Ilgar Rahimov, said, “Throughout our history, IBSA has enjoyed a close working relationship with our fellow IOSDs, sharing ideas and collaborating on important issues.”

“During my election campaign in 2023, I promised IBSA Members that we would transform the way IBSA works with both internal and external stakeholders. Along with World Abilitysport and Virtus, we realised that a lot of the work we do independently could be shared between us, to save resources, improve efficiency and remove duplication.”

“I am delighted to begin this new journey as we explore together how we can deliver more – and better – for Members, sports and athletes.”

Kevin Polish USA competing in Wheelchair Archery at Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Bob Martin.

World Abilitysport President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele, said, “World Abilitysport has been through some very big changes in recent years, not least the merger with CPISRA. This meant we became the single, global organisation for developing sports for people with physical disabilities.

“This new exploratory exercise will allow us to establish how we can share resources between the IOSDs and what common themes there are amongst our constituents, with the aim of streamlining our operations so we can invest even more in our unique core work.”

Breanna Clark USA crosses the finish line in the Women’s 400m – T20 Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Photo Credit: OIS/Thomas Lovelock.

Marc Truffaut, Virtus President, said, “The IOSD’s have a huge role advocating for people with an impairment both within Paralympic and particularly non-Paralympic sports. We are delighted to renew our partnership with IBSA and World Abilitysport”.

About the IOSDs

IBSA was founded in 1981 following a huge increase in interest in sports for people with vision impairments and a need for a specific body to represent them. In the years that followed, IBSA became responsible for goalball, judo and blind football.

IBSA stages a World Games every four years which showcase these sports as well as many others such as athletics and swimming. The full history of IBSA can be viewed here: https://ibsasport.org/about/who-we-are/history/

World Abilitysport is the oldest of the three IOSDs. With its history dating back to the first International Stoke Mandeville Games in 1952, it is the only organisation that provides a full international competition at entry, development and qualifying levels for people with physical impairments. Today, World Abilitysport hosts a series of Games where aspiring and established Para athletes can compete together in both Paralympic and non-Paralympic sports and is the international federation for wheelchair fencing, powerchair hockey and Para dance sports. More information about the history of World Abilitysport can be viewed here: https://worldabilitysport.org/about/who-we-are/history/

Virtus was founded (as INAS) in 1986 and is the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment. It organises an annual programme of World and Regional Championships in 13 sports, culminating in the four-yearly Global Games – the largest elite sports event in the world for people with an intellectual impairment. More information about Virtus can be found here: virtus.sport/about-virtus

IBSA, World Abilitysport, and Virtus – the latter two of which have rebranded in recent years – were all Members of the International Coordinating Committee of Sports for the Disabled in the World (ICC). In 1989 the ICC established the International Paralympic Committee with the responsibility for organising the Paralympic Games.

The third day of the Virtus European Winter Games concluded today in Zakopane with Italy dominating the podium in rowing and several skiers claiming their second gold medals.

Indoor Rowing

Italy dominated the podiums in Indoor rowing as four of it’s outstanding rowers win multiple medals.

Italians dominating the rowing events podium. Photo Credit: Sprawni-razem

Marta Piccininno (ITA) showcased her prowess on the rowing machine, clinching gold in both the Women’s II1 2000m and 1000m events, proving her dominance across varying distances.

Italy’s Francesco Saverio Di Donato’s remarkable performance was undeniable as he claimed the top spot in both the Men’s II1 2000m and 1000m races, solidifying his status as a formidable force in indoor rowing.

Marta Casetta’s (ITA) double-medal triumph exemplified her versatility and endurance, securing gold in the Women’s II2 2000m and adding a silver in the fiercely contested 1000m event.

Margherita Merlo (ITA) left spectators in awe with her exceptional rowing abilities, capturing gold in the Women’s II2 1000m race and demonstrating her endurance with a silver in the challenging 2000m competition.

Skiing: Giant Slalom

The slopes of Zakopane, Poland, witnessed remarkable feats of athleticism as skiers from across the globe showcased their skiing skills in the Giant Slalom (GS) event at the Virtus World and European Skiing Championship happening as a part of the Virtus European Winter Games.

Skiiers in action at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem

Mélanie De Bona (FRA) clinched the top spot with an impressive combined time of 1:41.54, claiming the second gold medal from the championship. Amilia Selznick (USA) followed closely behind, securing the silver medal (1:42.70) and Eva-Maria Dünser (AUS) rounded off the podium, claiming the bronze medal (1:46.26).

In the II1 Men’s category, phenomenal French dominator Thomas Girard leading the charge. Girard’s stellar performance earned him the gold medal (1:34.93), showcasing remarkable speed and technique. His compatriot, Antoine Maure, secured the silver medal (1:37.77), while Christian Öllinger (AUS) settled for the bronze medal (1:41.02).

Anna-Sophie Friedl (AUS) delivered a stunning performance in the II2 Women’s category, clinching another gold medal (1:55.69). Stephanie Schlömmer (AUS), secured the silver medal with a time of (2:06.60), demonstrating admirable resilience on the slopes. Bea-Anna Westerstrahle of Finland showcased determination, earning the bronze medal despite facing challenges on the course.

Antoni Wiercioch from Poland emerged victorious in the II2 Men’s category, claiming the gold medal with a time of 1:50.99. Michael Konrad of Austria secured the silver medal with a time of 1:55.99, while Markus Grameiser, also from Austria, claimed the bronze medal with a time of 1:56.88.

Aleksandra Andrejko (POL) striked hatrick by winning her third gold from the championship in II3 Women’s category. With a time of 1:43.47, Aleksandra defeated Aliye Zeynep Bingül (TUR) and Whitehouse Elizabeth (USA).

In the II3 Men’s category, Axel Bringdal (FRA) claimed his second championship title with a time of 1:34.21, displaying remarkable speed and agility on the slopes. Ange Cazorla (FRA) and Palmer Lyons (USA) secured silver and bronze for themselves.

Basketball:

Athletes in action in Portugal vs France match at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem

The semifinal games are scheduled between Poland and Portugal, as well as France-I and France-II. It will be intriguing to observe whether Portugal, champions of the European championship for two consecutive years, can secure a third consecutive championship title, or if another team will emerge victorious.

Futsal:

Athletes in action in Portugal vs Spain at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem

Poland and Spain are set to compete for the bronze medal position, while the final showdown promises excitement as perennial rivals Portugal, reigning Virtus Global Games Champions, and France, runners-up in GG2023, prepare to clash once more.

History was made in Zakopane, Poland, as the inaugural Virtus Winter Games crowned its champions, marking a significant moment in skiing and indoor rowing history. Athletes from across Europe and select nations worldwide showcased their remarkable skill and determination in the thrilling competitions, highlighting the talent and resilience of participants with intellectual impairments.

SKIING: Super Giant Slalom (SGS)

Winners from II1 Slalom races at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem.

In the II1 Women’s Super Giant Slalom, Mélanie De Bona from France secured the top spot with an impressive time of 43.64 seconds. Amilia Selznick representing the USA followed closely behind, achieving a time of 45.97 seconds, just 2.33 seconds behind the leader and Tamami Baba of Japan finished third with a time of 46.81 seconds, trailing by 3.17 seconds.

Aoshi Kanazawa from Japan claimed the top position in the II1 Men’s category with an impressive time of 40.74 seconds. Thomas Girard of France secured second place with a time of 41.05 seconds, just 0.31 seconds behind the leader. Yusuke Kizuki, also from Japan, took the third spot with a time of 42.76 seconds, trailing by 2.02 seconds.

Winners from II2 Slalom races at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem.

In the II2 Women’s category, Austrians dominated the podium with Anna-Sophie Friedl from Austria (49.14 seconds) claiming the gold and Stephanie Schlömmer (51.09 seconds) securing herself a silver. Bea-Anna Westerstrahle of Finland finished third with a time of 59.90 seconds, trailing by 10.76 seconds.

Antoni Wiercioch from Poland claimed the top spot in the II2 Men’s category with a remarkable time of 47.71 seconds. Markus Grameiser of Austria secured second place with a time of 48.31 seconds, 0.60 seconds behind the leader. Klemens Zieba, also from Poland, took the third position with a time of 49.20 seconds, trailing by 1.49 seconds.

Winners from II3 Slalom races at Zakopane 2024. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem.

In the II3 Women’s category, Aleksandra Andrejko from Poland secured the top spot with an impressive time of 42.90 seconds. Elizabeth Whitehouse representing the USA finished second with a time of 57.03 seconds, trailing by 14.13 seconds. Aliye Zeynep Bingül from Turkey took the third position with a time of 59.36 seconds, trailing by 16.46 seconds.

Axel Bringdal of France claimed victory in the II3 Men’s category with a remarkable time of 40.95 seconds. Ange Cazorla, also from France, secured second place with a time of 41.82 seconds, 0.87 seconds behind the leader. Palmer Lyons representing the USA finished third with a time of 42.29 seconds, trailing by 1.34 seconds.

INDOOR ROWING: 500m

Awe-inspiring performances unfolded in the 500m women’s race. Adriana Czekaj of Poland surged to victory in the II1 division, clocking a lightning-fast time of 1:51.5, closely pursued by Italy’s Marta Piccininno at 1:52.8. France’s Clémence Wattecampps showcased her finesse, clinching third place with a time of 1:54.3.

Indoor Rowing actions at VESG 2024, Zakppane. Photo Credit: Sprawni-Razem

The intensity continued as Marta Casetta of Italy dominated the II2 category, crossing the finish line in 2:31.9, trailed by compatriot Margherita Merlo at 2:37.5. Meanwhile, Nadège Dathy of France showcased sheer determination, securing third place in the II2 division with a time of 2:45.2.

In the men’s category, France’s Damien Touchagues left spectators in awe with his stellar performance, conquering the II1 division in 1:29.3. Italy’s Francesco Saverio Di Donato closely trailed behind at 1:29.5, while Giulio Guerra exhibited his prowess, finishing third in the II1 division with a time of 1:31.4.

The excitement soared as Andrea Appendino of Italy dominated the II2 category, showcasing extraordinary skill with a top spot finish in 1:53.9. Lorenzo Sforza of Italy followed closely at 1:56.7, while Dylan Lorec Berjuin of France delivered a commendable performance, securing third place in the II2 division with a time of 1:59.9.

Not to be outdone, Théodore Chatel of France emerged victorious in the II3 category, setting the pace with a stellar time of 1:28.3. Lorenzo Mazzoletti of Italy showcased his strength, securing second place with a time of 1:29.1, rounding off a day of remarkable achievements and fierce competition.

In the thrilling 4×500-meter relay, Team France showcased their dominance with a remarkable time of 7:01.7, led by the stellar performances of Clementine Berland, Clémence Wattecampps, Ehenne Kolialis, and Damien Touchagues. Italy followed closely behind, securing second place with a time of 7:12.1, led by Francesco Saverio Di Donato, Giulio Guerra, Serena Giorgetti, and Marta Piccininno. The combined efforts of Poland and Portugal earned them third place with a time of 7:22.8, with Jorge Sousa, Adriana Czekaj, Vasco Vicente, and Agata Pitura showcasing commendable teamwork. In the 4×500 II 2 category, Italy continued their winning streak with a time of 9:12.5, while Team France secured second place with a time of 9:37.1.

Live streams of all sports will be available on Virtus social media and YouTube channels.

Stay updated with event highlights at Virtus Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on all competition days between 3rd March to 8th March. Event information can be accessed from the Virtus European Winter Games website.