Virtus is delighted to announce the launch of two exciting online events that will bring together the world’s best athletes with an intellectual impairment, allowing them to compete at the highest level from their home environments.

The two online competitions Virtus is launching this month are: Round 1 of the tenth edition of the Para Dressage Video Competition and the second edition of the Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition!

These events provide a unique opportunity for athletes to compete at an elite level from their home environments, breaking barriers and showcasing their talent on an international stage. Both the competition are open for all three Virtus competition classes: II1, II2 and II3.

2025 Para-Dressage Video Competition

Rider competing at the para-dressage competition at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: GG2023

The competition officially began on February 1st and will continue until February 28th. This video-based event gathers the world’s top para-dressage riders with intellectual impairments, allowing them to compete at a World Championship level from their own environment. This innovative competition format has been providing an exciting and accessible pathway to elite competition. All video recording and competition rules from previous editions remain unchanged.

While the Para-Dressage competition is a prestigious event in its own right, participation in this video competition is essential for riders aiming to compete in the inaugural Virtus World Para-Dressage Championship, set to take place later this year. As part of the qualification process for the 2025 Virtus World Championships, submitting a video entry is strongly recommended. Athletes who have submitted an eligibility application but are not yet listed on the Master List may still enter for scoring purposes only. These scores may later be considered for qualification, pending successful eligibility approval.

For competition rules in detail, information pack and other relevant information, visit the Virtus events calendar.

Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition

Korean rower competing in Indoor Rowing at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Photo Credit: Luc Percival

Back for its second edition, the Virtus World Indoor Rowing Video Competition is a global challenge where athletes row their best 1000m and compete virtually against top rowers worldwide!

The competition will kick off on 10th February and run until 28 February. To be able to compete in this competition, athletes must hold a minimum of Virtus national eligibility and a valid competition license (check with your Virtus member organisation). The competition must be completed using a Concept2 Rowing Machine (Model C, D, E, or Dynamic).

As the judges will rely completely on the video sent by the athletes to analyse the results, Virtus has set some strict guidelines for the video recording. The athlete and the entire rowing erg must be in full view for the entire row, and the recorder must zoom in on the monitor display after the row is over in the same video. Separate videos or photos showing the result will not be accepted.

For an information pack and other relevant information, visit the Virtus Calendar.

The International Paralympic Committee are seeking to appoint two Paralympians to their Athlete Internship Programme, a new 12-month programme designed to provide retired Paralympic athletes with experience within the sport management sector and Paralympic Movement.

The successful candidates will gain hands-on experience, practical skills, and mentorship tailored
to their selected role.

For further information, visit the IPC website.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind stakeholders that the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List) and the 2025 Monitoring Program enter into force on 1st January 2025.

The List designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports.

Major modifications for 2025 

As outlined in the 2025 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the major modifications for 2025 include the following:

• Further examples were added to the following substance classes to help athletes and their entourage better identify prohibited substances:
  • S0. Non-approved substances,
  • S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators,
  • S5. Diuretics and masking agents, and
  • S6. Stimulants.
• The dosing intervals of formoterol have been changed, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same.
• Donation of blood and blood components including by apheresis are no longer prohibited if performed in an accredited collection center.
• Hydrafinil is now classified as a non-specified stimulant.
• It is clarified that guanfacine is not a prohibited substance.
• Beta-blockers are no longer prohibited in any skiing and snowboarding disciplines.

For a substance or method to be added to the List, it must be determined that it meets at least two of the following three criteria:

1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance
2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes
3. It violates the spirit of sport

Ultimately, athletes are responsible for prohibited substances found in their body and prohibited methods found to have been used. Members of an athlete’s entourage are also liable for Anti-Doping Rule Violations if determined to be complicit. Consequently, if there is any doubt as to the status of a substance or method, it is important that they contact their respective Anti-Doping Organizations (International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization) for advice.

The Therapeutic Use Exemption Program 

It should be noted that athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). The TUE Program is a rigorous and necessary part of elite sport and has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians, and anti-doping stakeholders.

The 2025 Prohibited List, the 2025 Summary of Modifications and Explanatory Notes, and the 2025 Monitoring Program are available for download on WADA’s website in English, French, and Spanish.

Visit the Virtus Anti-Doping pages

We are pleased to announce the results of the 3rd round of the Online Dressage competition, with a record 58 entries.

A full report will follow and all results can be found here.

Today, as we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD), we shine a light on the powerful theme of “Amplifying Leadership by Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

Virtus Ambassador Lenine Cunha, one of the most decorated athletes with an intellectual impairment, personifies this theme through his groundbreaking achievements and relentless advocacy for inclusion. Lenine’s journey is a testament to the power of diverse leadership, marking a new chapter for athletes with disabilities everywhere.

With a legendary career, winning over 200 international medals, including a bronze at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Lenine has established himself as a powerhouse in sports. However, his influence reaches far beyond his athletic record. As an active Virtus Ambassador, Lenine has mentored athletes globally, offering wisdom on competition, resilience, and making informed life choices.

Leadership isn’t new to Lenine. Since 2006, he’s been leading the Portuguese team as the team captain, rallying teammates with motivational talks and practical guidance before competitions to the athletes. In his native Portugal, Lenine often visits schools and universities, sharing his story to inspire others, particularly young people with disabilities.

“When I go to competitions, I’m the captain of the team, so I am a leader. With my experience, I try to help the coaches and the team leader, and I set an example for the athletes. When I speak to young people, I share my sports journey and my personal experiences with meningitis and how I came into sports, how sports changed my life and overcoming bullying. I want them to know that they can overcome anything.”

“I work at Decathlon in Portugal and I am not the team leader but I am one of the bestsellers and I always give advice to my colleagues on how to sell more products and many of them are following my footsteps now.”

Lenine Cunha (second from left) with the new IPC Athletes’ Council at IPC headquarter in Bonn. Photo Credit: paralympic.org

Earlier this year, Lenine became the first athlete with an intellectual impairment to be elected to the IPC Athletes’ Council, a milestone that symbolizes progress for millions of athletes with intellectual impairments worldwide. Reflecting on his journey to the Council, Lenine admitted,

“I never imagined this level of recognition. When Virtus asked me if I wanted to be a candidate, I thought it was impossible. There were so many famous athletes, and I thought, ‘How could I possibly win? But when I saw the results, when I saw I  won with highest number of votes, I was overwhelmed. It was proof that our community wants representation that understands their experiences.”

During his campaign for the IPC Athletes’ Council, Lenine received widespread support from fellow athletes. “The reactions were overwhelmingly positive,” he shared. “Athletes from around the world were genuinely excited about having someone like me on the Council.” This level of enthusiasm, he says, strengthened his resolve to work for an inclusive future in sports.

Now a member of the IPC Athletes’ Council, Lenine is dedicated to advocating for athletes’ rights, expanding event opportunities, and supporting athletes in their post-competition careers. For Lenine, listening to athletes is the first step in effective leadership.

“We are the voice of the athletes. My focus is on what matters most to them, what issues they face, and what changes we need to address. I am still competing, so I know exactly how they feel, and I’m here to make their concerns heard.”

“Virtus launched an amazing campaign two years ago – #AthleteFirst. For me, #AthleteFirst isn’t just a campaign name, I believe that athletes are at the heart of everything we do. Without them, there would be no championships, no Paralympics. As leaders, we must stand for them and ensure their voices shape the future of sport.”

Lenine Cunha’s story illustrates how the leadership of persons with disabilities can foster a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable world. His journey demonstrates that diversity in leadership doesn’t just benefit those represented—it enriches everyone. With voices like Lenine’s shaping policies and promoting inclusivity, we’re building a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to lead, contribute, and inspire.

Today, as we celebrate IDPwD 2024, Lenine’s achievements remind us that amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities is not only necessary but transformative. Through his unwavering dedication, Lenine continues to pave the way for future generations, proving that a truly inclusive future is one that embraces the unique perspectives of all people.