Virtus wishes people with Down Syndrome around the world a very Happy World Down Syndrome Day. As the world celebrates World Down Syndrome Day, Virtus will be shining a spotlight on some of our remarkable athletes who continue to defy expectations and inspire the global sports community.

Kobayashi Michiko, a swimmer from the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ has made waves at the 2023 Virtus Global Games with her extraordinary achievements. Hailing from Fukui, Japan, Michiko grew up in a supportive family alongside her parents and older sister. Reflecting on her biggest cheerleaders, she says,

“My father and the members of my local para-swimming team have been my greatest supporters. Their encouragement has helped me push my limits.”

Admiration for fellow swimmer Ayako Morishita played a key role in her motivation. She was ‘amazed’ when she saw Ayako swimming the 200-meter butterfly for the first time and realised that ‘swimmers with Down syndrome have the strength to compete on the world stage’.

Born with a heart condition, Michiko took up swimming as a child to improve her health and physical strength. Her passion for the sport grew, and as she progressed in her training, she found excitement in collecting badges at her local swimming school. “I love the feeling of being in the water. My body feels lighter and free,” she shares.

Like many athletes, Michiko faced challenges along the way. She explains,

“Sometimes, when my coach gives instructions with words, I don’t always understand. Watching videos makes it easier for me to follow.”

She also faced negative attitudes from others due to her appearance and slower movements, but she never let that discourage her. “I always had friends, teachers, and family who supported me with warmth and encouragement,” she says with gratitude.

Virtus competitions have played a vital role in Michiko’s journey, allowing her to race against some of the fastest II2 athletes in the world. At the 2023 Virtus Global Games (GG2023), Michiko stunned the world by breaking the World Record in women’s II2 100m breaststroke event twice in a row. She swam a time of 1:42.69 sec in the heats to set the first record and later broke her own record in the finals clocking an impressive time of 1:39.86 seconds. She also set the record for 200m Breaststroke with a timing of 3:41.82 sec, winning two gold medals. Reflecting on her achievement, she says,

“I never imagined setting a world record. Before the race, my father told me, ‘You’ve done everything you can, now just swim your best.’ That gave me the confidence I needed.”

Competing in GG2023 as part of the Japanese national team in the II2 category was a thrilling experience for her. The event’s energetic atmosphere and vibrant opening ceremony in Vichy left a lasting impression, especially ‘the citywide parade and the opening ceremony at the grand opera house were unforgettable’ for her.

She is now setting her sights on the 2026 Virtus Asian-Oceania Regional Games in Thailand and the 2027 Virtus Global Games in Cairo. Her next challenge? “I don’t have the world record in the 50m breaststroke yet, so my goal is to shave off another second,” she says determinedly.

Beyond the pool, Michiko’s ultimate goal in life is simple yet profound: “To stay healthy and dedicate myself to what interests me.”

On this special day, Michiko shares a heartfelt message for young athletes with Down syndrome:

“I am so happy to have found swimming, a sport I can truly immerse myself in. I have met friends from all over the world who share the same goals. I hope you also enjoy your favourite sport and keep moving toward your dreams.”

With her unwavering spirit, determination, and love for swimming, Kobayashi Michiko is not just making waves in the pool—she is making history.

Torrevieja, Alicante, is set to welcome athletes and spectators from around the globe as it hosts the 2025 Virtus World Futsal Championship from November 29 to December 8, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together top futsal players with intellectual impairment, furthering the city’s commitment to inclusivity and sports excellence. Virtus member in Spain, Federación Española de Deportes para personas con Discapacidad Intelectual (FEDDI) will be organising the event.

Torrevieja has established itself as a premier destination for international sporting events, previously hosting competitions such as the Mediterranean International Regatta, the International City of Torrevieja Half Marathon, and the World Youth Sailing Championships. With its scenic Mediterranean coastline and strong sports infrastructure, the city continues to attract world-class events that boost tourism and foster community engagement.

“The Virtus World Futsal Championship is not just a competition—it is an opportunity to raise awareness about sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A key objective of this event is to ensure that athletes with an intellectual impairment have the same access to competitive sports as everyone else,” said Celia Garote, Executive Director of FEDDI.

“Our aim is for more people in Spain to understand who FEDDI and Virtus are and the crucial work we do to promote inclusivity in sports. We are confident that hosting this event will help us take a significant step forward in this mission,” she further added.

The championship will take place at the Palacio de los Deportes de Torrevieja “Tavi y Carmona”, a modern multi-sport facility with a 3,500-seat capacity, making it ideal for large-scale international tournaments. The venue features state-of-the-art futsal courts and is well-equipped to host athletes, coaches, and fans in a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement, the championship will coincide with the Torrevieja Patron Saint Festival, providing visitors with the unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural traditions alongside world-class sporting action.

For the information pack and other information, visit the Virtus event calendar.

Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to this landmark event!

The excitement continued on Day 3 of the 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships in Bessans, with high-stakes relay events taking center stage. Teams from across the globe battled through the snow, delivering electrifying performances that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. France and neutral banner athletes emerged as the dominant forces, claiming multiple victories and showcasing remarkable teamwork and endurance.

The French duo of Guebey Yann and Dubois Titouan thrilled the home crowd with a stellar performance, clinching gold with a time of 12:54.77. The neutral team of Charushnikov Aleksandr and Sorokin Aleksandr followed in second place at 13:27.14, displaying impressive synchronization and speed. Estonia’s Pärn Greg-Emil and Teearu Hanscrossed the finish line at 14:14.10, securing a well-earned bronze.

 In a dominant display, Kashevarova Alina and Guber Irina, competing under the neutral banner, surged to victory with a commanding time of 16:20.75. France’s Petitnicolas Manon and Thiroux Lea battled hard for silver, finishing at 18:06.13. Japan’s Shimura Ririsu and Oba Aoi rounded out the podium, earning bronze with a time of 20:03.86.

The mixed relay event saw another gold medal for the neutral banner team as Volegov Ivan and Guber Irina dominated the course, finishing at 14:28.93. The French pair of Garin Joseph and Thiroux Lea secured silver in 17:28.87, putting up a strong fight. Japan’s Nishimura Junichi and Nakazawa Kei delivered an impressive effort to claim bronze, crossing the finish line at 19:11.32.

In Men’s II2, Oltolina Mattia and Kostenr Tobia Maria were awarded gold medal for their tru sportsmanship in men’s relay event.

Day 3 of the Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships was a testament to the power of teamwork and resilience. With strong performances across all relay categories, France and neutral banner athletes solidified their dominance, while Estonia and Japan made their mark on the podium. As the championships continue, the competition remains fierce, and more exhilarating races are on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more updates from Bessans 2025 as the world’s best para-athletes continue their quest for glory!

The 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships kicked off in thrilling fashion at the Le Carreley sports complex in Bessans, setting the stage for intense competition and remarkable athleticism. Cross-country skiing individual classic took center stage on Day 1, with athletes showcasing their skill, endurance, and determination in pursuit of championship glory.

In the II1 category, competitors skiing under the neutral banner delivered commanding performances across both the men’s and women’s races, sweeping the podium in multiple events.

Volegov Ivan stormed to victory with an impressive time of 29:06.98, securing the gold medal with an outstanding display of speed and stamina. His compatriot, Sorokin Aleksandr, followed closely behind, clocking 29:55.45 to claim silver. The host nation’s pride, Dubois Titouan, fought hard to secure bronze, finishing at 30:09.94 and ensuring France made its mark on the podium.

Guber Irina put on a dominant performance in the women’s race, crossing the finish line with an exceptional time of 17:00.96 to take home the gold. Her teammate, Kashevarova Alina, followed in 20:11.27, securing silver. The battle for bronze was intense, with Sweden’s Bjoerfeldt Kristin clinching the third spot at 20:12.94, just fractions of a second behind.

In the Men’s II2 category, France’s Colomby Clement delivered a powerhouse performance, outpacing the competition with a winning time of 21:50.60. Italian skiers Kostenr Tobia Maria (28:29.85) and Oltolina Mattia (32:13.28) took silver and bronze, respectively, completing an all-European podium.

The Men’s II3 event saw another triumph for the host nation, as Clement Richard, the sole competitor in the category, crossed the finish line at 30:23.83, proudly adding another gold to France’s tally.

“I am very happy with my race results. I compared my results to the II1 Men’s, and I would be standing fourth in that category, which is amazing for me,” Clement told Virtus.

With an exhilarating start to the 2025 Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships, the competition promises more high-energy races and inspiring moments. As athletes continue to push their limits, all eyes remain on Bessans for what is set to be an unforgettable championship.

For full results, visit the competition website.

The 2025 Virtus Athletics World Championships are set to take place in Brisbane, Australia, from 8–15 October 2025, marking a milestone event for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment. This international competition will bring together top athletes from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent, determination and excellence on a global stage. The event will attract veteran athletes, Paralympians and foster the development of emerging athletes who may have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in the youth competition. Virtus member in Australia, Sport Inclusion Australia will be organising the event.

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is the perfect host city for the Championships. Known for its warm climate, stunning riverfront, and welcoming atmosphere, Brisbane offers a unique mix of modern infrastructure and natural beauty, with lush parks and bustling cultural precincts. As a hub for major sporting events, outdoor adventures, and arts festivals, Brisbane provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable sporting experience. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the city continues to grow as a global leader while maintaining its relaxed and friendly charm.

Sport Inclusion Australia has extensive experience in hosting multiple Virtus events since 2004, showcasing their ability to deliver world-class competitions, including the 2019 Virtus Global Games in Brisbane, featuring multiple sporting organisations and international federations, followed by the 2022 inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games. In 2024 and 2025, they continue their legacy with the Virtus Cycling World Series, reinforcing their commitment to excellence in inclusive sports. This wealth of experience ensures that the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships will be delivered with the highest level of professionalism and excellence.

Helen Croxford, President of Sport Inclusion Australia, said the team are delighted to be hosting the 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championship in Brisbane.

“Twenty years ago, we hosted the 2005 World Athletics Championships in the city of Canberra and the legacy of developing sport and sport pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment has continued to grow stronger with every event. Brisbane will be familiar to many athletes following the successful Global Games in 2019 and Oceania Asia Games in 2022, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning athletes to Brisbane, which is also the host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We hope that a full athletics program for track, field and youth events across all three eligibility groups will attract athletes from all Virtus member nations, and for the Oceania region, we hope to introduce Virtus events to our Pacific Island nations through this event,” Croxford said.

Sport Inclusion Australia has placed an athlete-first approach, excellence and community engagement at the heart of the event planning. Their vision is to deliver a uniquely memorable and exciting celebration of sport and culture that focuses on ability while also fostering growth in developing countries. The event will inspire achievement, promote harmony and create a sense of unity in alignment with the Virtus movement’s mission.

The 2025 Virtus World Athletics Championships will leave a profound and lasting legacy. It will provide athletes with a world-class platform to showcase their talents, inspire young people with disabilities to pursue their sporting dreams and educate communities on the importance of inclusion.

Virtus calls on all its member nations to get their athletics teams ready for competition at the highest level.

For more information about the event, visit the event calendar page and keep following Virtus on socials.