2025 Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship Is Coming To Torino, Italy

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Virtus – the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment – is proud to announce that the 5th Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship will take place in Torino, Italy, from 13 to 17 October 2025. The event will be hosted at the Impianto PalaMirafiori, an indoor venue in the heart of the city.

The championship will be organised in collaboration with FISDIR (Federazione Italiana Sport Paralimpici degli Intellettivo Relazionali), Virtus’ national member organisation in Italy, and Canottieri Armida, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected rowing clubs.

This marks a significant return of Virtus rowing to Italy, a country with a rich tradition of inclusion and excellence in adaptive sports. FISDIR brings a wealth of experience, having hosted a range of major events including the Virtus Indoor and Outdoor Rowing Championships (2014, 2015), World Basketball Championships (2008, 2017), World Indoor Athletics (2016), and the prestigious 2011 Global Games, as well as numerous European-level competitions.

Founded in 1869, Canottieri Armida has played a pivotal role in shaping Italian rowing and promoting inclusive sport. Since 2001, the club has led national efforts to support rowing for people with disabilities, establishing one of Europe’s strongest inclusive rowing teams. It is also known for its long-running and inclusive event “Rowing For…”, which enters its 19th edition in 2025 under the banner “Rowing for Los Angeles – Paralympic Games 2028 Trophy”, to be held immediately after the Virtus Championship from October 17–19.

“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship to Italy. This is more than a competition — it’s a platform to elevate the sport and showcase the talent and determination of athletes with intellectual impairments,” said Francesco Ambrosio, President of FISDIR.

Torino, a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history, provides a fitting backdrop for this global championship. Originally founded by Celtic tribes and later developed as the Roman camp Julia Augusta Taurinorum around 28 BC, Torino is renowned for its blend of historic charm and modern innovation. It was the first capital of unified Italy and the host of the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games, reflecting its ongoing commitment to inclusive sport. From baroque palaces and world-class museums to its alpine setting and culinary traditions, the city welcomes the global Virtus community with open arms.

“We are all very excited about the organisation of the World Rowing Indoor Championships in Italy. Once again, we are counting on the support of FISDIR to organise the World Championships, from 13 to 17 October in Turin,” said Nuno Santa Rita, Virtus Rowing Director. 

“We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for all involved, with a dedicated team and the support of several public and private partners who believe in the transformative power of inclusive sport. See you all in Turin”, he further added.

The event will be proudly supported by the Italian Rowing Federation and the Italian Paralympic Committee, reinforcing Italy’s dedication to inclusive excellence in sport.

Information pack and more details will follow soon.