Top Five II1 Women to Compete for Spot at Paris 2024

With so many of the top ten ranked women’s athletes participating, the competition promises to be fierce. Serving as Paris 2024 qualifiers for II1 athletes, the Global Games 2023 will turn as the ultimate battleground for the talented women in this particular category to showcase their skills, determination, and unwavering spirit to win their Golden ticket to the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Here are the top five A-listers who will try to outshine their competitors and claim their rightful place in Paris 2024:

1. Lea Ferney: A Paralympic Sensation

Lea Ferney. Photo Credit: ITTF

Seizing the top spot in the ITTF rankings, French athlete Lea Ferney has cemented herself as an intimidating force in the world of table tennis. Lea made headlines with her stellar performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, clinching a silver medal in her debut appearance. Though she faced defeat against Ebru Acer from Turkey in the 2022 Virtus European Summer Games, Lea bounced back to reclaim her spot atop the rankings at Andalucía 2022. Her tenacity and skill make her a strong contender for success at GG2023.

2. Natalia Kosmania: The Ukrainian Dynamo

 

Natalya Kosmania. Photo Credit: ITTF

Ranked second in the ITTF standings, Natalia Kosmania will represent Ukraine with unwavering determination. As the gold medalist from Rio 2016, she has proven herself on the global stage. With her sights set on securing a place at Paris 2024, Natalia is poised to demonstrate her exceptional talent at GG2023. Expect fireworks as she showcases her prowess against the world’s best.

3. NG Mui Wui: A Rising Star from Hong Kong

 

NG Mui Wui. Photo Credit: ITTF

NG Mui Wui, the bronze medalist from Rio 2016, has been steadily climbing the ITTF rankings and currently sits in third place. Hailing from Hong Kong, NG Mui Wui’s skills and strategic play have propelled her to the forefront of the sport. Her doubles victory alongside Wong Ting Ting at the 2022 Andalucían Championships further solidifies her potential for success. Watch out for NG Mui Wui as she strives to reach new heights at GG2023.

4. Dorota Nowacka: The Polish Contender

 

Dorota Nowacka. Photo Credit: ITTF

Dorota Nowacka, the fourth-ranked Polish athlete, aims to make a strong comeback at GG2023. While she narrowly missed out on the finals at Rio 2016, her drive and determination have only grown stronger. Despite her defeat to fellow Polish athlete Lysiak Krystyna at the 2022 Spanish World Para Table Tennis Championship, Dorota remains a formidable competitor. GG2023 presents a perfect opportunity for her to showcase her resilience and compete at the highest level.

5. Ebru Acer: The Turkish Phenomenon

 

Acer Ebru. Photo Credit: ITTF

Ebru Acer, the rising star from Turkey, made a name for herself by defeating Paralympic medalist Lea Ferney at the 2022 Virtus European Championship. Although her subsequent performances did not match her early success, Ebru currently holds the fifth spot in the ITTF rankings. Her talent and potential are undeniable, and all eyes will be on her to see if she can replicate her remarkable Krakow 2022 performance at GG2023.

As they vie for a spot in Paris 2024, the competition promises to be intense, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. The world will be watching as these exceptional women strive to secure their place among the elite and leave their mark on the world of II1 table tennis.

View Table Tennis Schedule

A Battle for Paris 2024 ticket at GG2023

The upcoming Global Games 2023 (GG2023) in Vichy is not only a prestigious event for all Virtus table tennis athletes but will also serve as a gateway to the next 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris for II1 athletes. With the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announcing that the top male and female II1 champions will secure their spots for the upcoming Paralympics, the stakes have never been higher. Sixty-six elite II1 players from twenty countries are ready to unleash their skills and claim victory in Vichy, creating an atmosphere of intense competition and excitement. Let’s delve into the journey of the top five exceptional athletes who are vying for a chance to shine in Paris 2024.

1. Lucas Creange: The Powerhouse from France

 

Lucas Creange. Photo credit: ITTF

Topping the list is Lucas Creange, the current ITTF World No. 2 in table tennis. With an impressive track record, Lucas has secured numerous accolades, including a bronze medal in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His prowess extends beyond that, with two bronze medals at the 2019 Global Games and a gold medal in the II1 Men’s singles at the 2022 Virtus Table Tennis European Championship. As GG2023 takes place in his home country, Lucas aims to reign supreme and add another triumph to his remarkable career.

2. Peter Palos: The Hungarian Hero

 

Peter Palos. Photo Credit: ITTF

Peter Palos, the Hungarian sensation, has solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of table tennis. As a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and the current ITTF World No. 3, Peter’s tenacity and skill have taken him to incredible heights. With a remarkable victory against Sam Von Einem in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Peter is determined to make his mark once again at GG2023. The GG2019 champion’s relentless pursuit of excellence is an inspiration to athletes around the globe.

3. Kim Gi Tae: A Triple Threat

 

Kim Gi Tae. Photo Credit: ITTF

Kim Gi Tae’s meteoric rise in the world of table tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary. Claiming three gold medals in men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the Andalucía 2022 World Para Table Tennis Championships, he became the most successful player of the event. Currently ranked as the ITTF World No. 4, Kim Gi Tae is set to captivate audiences with his formidable skills and unwavering determination at GG2023. Expect nothing short of greatness from this exceptional athlete.

4. Takashi Takemori: Unleashing the Tremors

 

Takashi Takemori. Photo Credit: ITTF

Hailing from Japan, Takashi Takemori is another fierce player on the table tennis court. The GG2019 silver medallist known for his deadly smashes is currently ranked as the ITTF World No. 5. His thunderous shots and strategic gameplay make him a formidable opponent for anyone who faces him. As he prepares to unleash his arsenal of skills at GG2023, all eyes will be on Takashi as he aims to climb higher in the rankings and etch his name in table tennis history.

5. Sam Von Einem: The Unyielding Australian

 

Sam Von Einem. Photo Credit: ITTF

Sam Von Einem, the Australian table tennis star, has etched his name in the annals of Virtus and Paralympic games. With two silver medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Sam has showcased his unwavering resilience and skill on numerous occasions. Although currently ranked sixth on the ITTF list, Sam’s determination knows no bounds as he seeks to make a resounding comeback at GG2023. Expect an intense battle when Sam takes to the table, as he leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of victory

With a total of 86 players participating across all three Virtus categories, II1, II2 and II3, the competition will be fierce, and every match will be a testament to the sheer dedication and passion of these athletes.

View Table Tennis Schedule

First live Equestrian tournament to kick off at GG2023

By Arunav Choudhury and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

This year, competition and spirit will come together at Vichy as the first live tournament of Equestrian will take place at the Virtus Global Games 2023. It is one of the newest sports on the Virtus programme and was added in 2016. Virtus has organized six annual editions of Para Equestrian Video competition.

Throughout the decades, Equestrian has been an engaging sport which involves precise manoeuvres and movements demanding a delicate balance between agility and stability. As such, for the upcoming Equestrian tournaments at the Global Games 2023, athletes are preparing themselves with determination. Control and coordination will be put to the test as riders will have to come up with the perfect recipe involving skill, steadiness and communication with their horses to have a shot at victory and earn accolades.

Sonia Villalba. Photo Credit: Virtus

Spanish rider Sonia Villalba, a Paralympian and three time II-1: Grade IV champion at the online para-dressage competition will compete in the tournament. Sonia is a veteran of Para Equestrian and has competed at many World and European championships including the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. Expressing her excitement for the GG2023, Sonia says,

“I am very happy to see the efforts of Virtus to introduce Equestrian as one of their sports. I am hopeful that the celebration of Equestrian at the Global Games will be a huge step towards the total integration of the riders with intellectual impairment in the Paralympic movement in the future”.

Likewise, Alejandro Espejo from Spain and Sui Watts (AUS) have been winning all the II2 category events and will be riding to defend their spot. In addition, youngest among the athletes in the II3 category for Equestrian, Rui Yan Ta (TPE) with his youthful spirit and focus will also be present in the tournament and will be aspiring for glory at the 2023 Global Games. Also fulfilling their dreams are Andrew Driffield (AUS), Christopher Bradley (GBR), Georgina Maton (GBR), Laurie Descouture (FRA), Maria Sanchez (Spain), Tatjana Raible (GBR) in II1 and Anna Beem (USA) in II3.

Uta Rindfleisch, Chairperson of Virtus Equestrian expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the LOC of GG2023 for not only organizing the first offline para-dressage competition, but also for taking on the demanding task to source suitable horses for the athletes who are not able to bring their own mounts to Vichy.

“After 5 years of video competitions we are absolutely excited to finally meet our riders at a live tournament, where athletes will have the chance to represent their country on the World Stage. In addition, having a veteran of Para Equestrian like Sonia will be inspiring for young athletes to join the Para Equestrian movement”,Uta told Virtus.

The inaugural edition of Equestrian at the Virtus Global Games will feature some of the greatest riders from Spain, Australia, Great Britain, USA, Egypt, Germany, Chinese Taipei as well as France.

An exciting tournament with a vibrant display of quality sport awaits in the month of June and the audience will be thrilled as well as delighted to witness a showcase of fine talents and exhilarating performances. This incredible addition to the list of sports at the Global Games 2023 will certainly create a memorable event for all participants. But more importantly, it will pave the way for future athletes to come together as fellow competitors, deliver their best and experience the wonder of sport.

View Equestrian schedule

Australian team seeking medals GG2023 Rowing

By Joshua Wakefield and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

Athletes from around the world will be displaying their remarkable abilities in various sports in this year’s Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France. Rowing is a fast-growing sport within the Virtus programme, and the Virtus Global Games has provided a stage for rowers with intellectual impairments to shine, inspiring us all with their exceptional skills. This year, both on-water and indoor rowing events are included at GG2023 and thirty five out of forty rowers will be seen competing in both indoor and on-water rowing.

The indoor rowing event at GG2023 will showcase a range of individual and relay competitions for athletes across all three Virtus competition classes: II1, II2, and II3 and will feature four distinct races: 500m, 1000m and 2000m row along with the thrilling team relay covering a total distance of 2000m. On-water rowing will feature an exhilarating line-up of four events, the skiff (individual), double sculls (two-rowers team event), quadruple sculls (four-rower team event) and coxed fours (four rowers and one coxswain event).

Who to look out for?

Mac Russells with flaunting his GG2019 Gold medals Photo Credit: Mac Russell

II1 Australian rower, Macintyre Russell, also known as Mac, is one of the most decorated Virtus rowers so far. With a remarkable performance in the previous Global Games, where he secured seven gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal in indoor and on-water rowing, Mac has established himself as a standout athlete. During the competition, spectators noticed Mac carrying a poster bearing the phrase ‘The Mac Attack,’ which could be seen as a symbolic representation of his remarkable dominance over his rivals in the games he competed in.

I am training almost every day in the lead-up to the VIRTUS Games. I do 5 on water sessions each week, 4 gym sessions plus a couple of bikes & ergs. I’m working so hard that I’m finding it difficult to eat enough of each meal to keep my weight up!’, Mac told Virtus.

Bronte Marshall at GG2019
Photo Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia

Another Australian hoping for gold in this year’s Global Games is female indoor and outdoor rower Bronte Marshall in II1 category. With gold in the 2000m in GG2019, she seeks to further her achievements by securing medals in both the 500m and 1000m rowing events.

The Australian team is eagerly anticipating the results of their intensive training, hoping that their efforts will pay off and surpass the formidable South Korean team, who delivered an impressive performance in the team relays at the previous Global Games, covering a challenging distance of 2000m.

Francesco Di Donato, an Italian athlete, impressed at the 2019 Global Games, winning gold medals in the men’s 1000m and 2000 indoor rowing events. He aims to continue his success at this year’s competition and secure a hat-trick of gold medals. Ecuadorian rower, Brayan Quinquiguano also showed promise at the 2022 OA Games, winning two bronze and one silver, and is expected to compete strongly at GG2023.

The Australian team demonstrated their dominance in both on-water and indoor rowing at the 2022 OA Games and GG2019, securing a total of 32 gold, 28 silver, and 17 bronze medals across the two events. Their exceptional performance showcased their commitment and skill, establishing them as a fierce force in the sport. However, France is determined to make their mark at GG2023 with their team of seventeen rowers, leveraging their familiarity with the water to challenge Australia’s supremacy.

View rowing schedule here

Taekwondo, Judo and Karate set to unleash thrills at GG2023

            By Alisha Bramhall and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

The first combat sport – Judo – and Karate Kata and Taekwondo Poomsae are making their way to the Global Games in Vichy this year. Some of the world’s greatest competitors are set to go for gold at the 6th edition of the Games for athletes with intellectual impairments in Vichy France (June 4th, 2023).

Taekwondo

Taekwondo Poomsae was first introduced at the 5th World Para Taekwondo Championship in Moscow Russia in 2014 and debuted as a medal event at the 2019 Global Games in Brisbane.

In the Men’s category, United States of America’s Ji Soo Kim took home the gold medal for the P20 over 30 category while Edison Joel Chiguano Aguilar (ECU) claimed it for P20 Under 30 in Brisbane and both will make their appearance at GG2023. Michele Cianciotto (ITA) is also making his way to the Games, hoping to take revenge on Edison in the P20 under 30 category.

In the Women’s category, Jhormary Rojas representing Colombia will be defending her 2019 title in the  Over 30 Poomsae. Meanwhile USA’s Morgan Delany Barber will be trying to turn her 2019 silver medal into gold in the under 30 category, which she lost to Chilean Athlete, Matinez Paloma.

The USA dominated the medal tally in Brisbane with 4 medals, and with over 20 athletes making their debut at this year, eyes will be on the USA to see if they can repeat history.

View the Taekwondo schedule

Karate

Karate Kata is an inaugural sport on the Games programme and follows an MoU with World Karate Federation in 2020. The first Para-Karate championship (endorsed by Virtus) was held in Dubai in 2021 and featured two categories for athletes with intellectual impairment – K21(II1) and K 22(II2) for both female and male. Three of the world top ranked K21 female athletes will be competing in Vichy 2023.

Kakosy Olivia (HUN) in action. Photo Credit: World Karate Federation

In Dubai, Olivia Kákosy’s took home gold for the Hungarian team and, currently ranked no. 1, Kaksoy is looking to shine at the Global Games. Kákosy’s teammate and current World no. 3 Petra Kárpáti, took silver in Dubai and looks to go one better in Vichy.

Meanwhile 2019 European Para Karate Champion Charlene Odin is hoping for medal success at the Games. The French athlete is ranked 4th in the world and is one to watch at the Games.

In K22, World No. 3, Alexandra Szabó from Hungary is another champion competing at GG2023 alongside Salma Eibrahim (Egy) and Natalia Olson from Canada who won Gold and Bronze respectively at Dubai 2021.

In the male categories, three of the top 10 K21 athletes are set to compete. Albert Singer, ranked 2nd  took home the bronze medal for Germany in Dubai, whilst Antonio Pereira also gained a bronze medal for the Portuguese team. Pereira, who is currently ranked 3rd, is expected to face some tough competition from János Csatári from Hungary ranked 4th.

In K22 males, interesting matches are expected between the four athletes, World no. 1, Mattia Allesina (ITA), Home favorite and World no. 3, Jordan Fonteney, World no. 4 representing Portugal JOÃO Azevedo and DANIELE MONTANARI (ITA) who is ranked seventh.

A total of 25 athletes will compete in Karate in its debut at the Global Games.

View the Karate schedule

Judo

Judo was added to the Virtus program in 2020 and was included as a competition event for the first time at the 2022 OA Games where a total of 23 athletes competed.  Some of the 2022 OA Games medallists are making their appearance at the GG2023 to create historical moments as the sport is making its way into the Global Games events calendar for the first time.

© Sport-Inclusion-Australia_Photo-Credit-Deion-Menzies

In the Female II1 category, Nikki McDermott (GBR)  took gold in Brisbane in the under 52kg along with teammate Skye Westwood (57kg category) who is also set to compete at the games.

In the II3 demonstration event, Phoebe Ladlow from Australia took Gold and is looking to repeat that this time at Vichy.

In the mens competition, double European champion Thomas Mawdsley (GBR) is one of the lead male entries of this year’s games with teammate Joshua Hughes who took gold in Brisbane in the under 73kg men II3.

The inaugural edition of Judo at the Virtus Global Games will feature the participation of the worlds top judo athletes from Japan, Israel, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Great Britain, Croatia, and France – a total of 43 athletes.

View the Judo Schedule

Cycling excitement soars at Vichy, France

 By Callum Burchett and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

As the world eagerly awaits the sixth edition of the Virtus Global Games, the city of Vichy in France is gearing up to showcase an exhilarating display of athletic prowess. Building on the successes of previous cycling competitions, the stage is set for cycling to reach new heights and create a buzzing atmosphere like never before. With the highly anticipated event just around the corner, fans and athletes alike are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the sheer brilliance and competitive spirit of the cycling events.

In II1 Men’s individual events, De Jong Lars (BEL) surfaced as champion in both short and long races, securing gold in both events at Krakow 2022. Lars’s consistent performances and unwavering focus makes him a force to be reckoned with. However, Ecuadorian super-cyclists David Arellano and Erik Javier are expected to give Lars a tough fight. While GG2019 champion Erik has proved his skills in both GG2019 and Krakow 2022, he will be racing fiercely to defend his GG2019 titles. Meanwhile, Arellano will be persistent in climbing the ranks up from Krakow 2022 results. All three captivated spectators at the 2022 European Games with their impressive speed and remarkable endurance, marking them as a leading contender for glory in Vichy.

Home nation heroes, Jeremy Pereira, Leo Collet, and Jean Thievient will carry the weight of expectations but also benefit from the support of passionate fans. With their sights set on the 2023 Games, all three will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on familiar terrain and make their nation proud.

In Women’s II1, Nofar Hangebi from Israel proved her excellence in the women’s road race, emerging as a phenomenal champion. With an exceptional display of skill and determination, she secured first-place, showcasing her talent on the challenging course. Additionally, in the individual trial, she continued her impressive performance by capturing second-place position, demonstrating her versatility and endurance. Georgia Powning and Molly Thatcher from Australia face a daunting task as they aim to dethrone the formidable Nofar Hangebi from Israel. With determination and perseverance, Powning and Thatcher might have the potential to create an electrifying competition, pushing themselves to their limits in pursuit of victory.

Nizan Shamiz. Crédit photo: Geoffroy Wahlen / FFSA.

When it comes to II3 races, Nizan Shamiz from Israel has truly made a lasting impact in all the Road-cycling events. Despite the II3 category being a demonstration class until the GG2023, Shamiz showcased remarkable skill and determination in each event and is looking forward to script history in the first full-competition event for II3.

In both the 2022 World Cycling Championship and the GG2019 Brisbane, France showcased their dominance in the men’s teams cycling competitions. They secured the first-place in both events, highlighting their exceptional talent and consistent performance on the global stage. Meanwhile, Australia proved to be a formidable contender finishing second in the GG2019 Brisbane. India, on the other hand, made a significant breakthrough in the GG2019 Brisbane by clinching the third-place, demonstrating their rising prominence in the world of cycling.

Beyond the competition itself, the 2023 Games aims to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about the exceptional abilities of athletes with intellectual impairments. The cycling events will serve as a reminder of the power of sport to transcend boundaries and inspire individuals to achieve greatness, both on and off the track.

Track Cycling will be hosted at Bourges velodrome, Creps Centre-Val de Loire and the Road Cycling will be taking place at the Town of Magnet.

Track cycling schedule: https://gg2023.org/en/sports/cycling-en/#sport-programme

Who will rule the Tennis court at GG2023?

By Akhila Chungath and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

The 2023 Virtus Global Games will see an impressive turnout of athletes from across the globe, showcasing their talent. The success of the previous Virtus Global Games tennis tournaments demonstrates not only the dedication of the athletes who participated but also the value of international sporting events in fostering the spirit of the sporting community. The 2023 Virtus Global Games Tennis tournaments will be backed by the International Tennis Federation for the second time in a row after their endorsement at GG2019.

Picture Credit : Sprawni Razem and FFSA

In II1 Men’s Singles, let’s delve into the captivating rivalry between three top players: Australia’s Archie Graham, and Great Britain’s Fabrice Higgins and Dominic Iannotti. These three powerhouses have showcased their exceptional skills by securing victories over each other in various tournaments, captivating audiences worldwide. With the stakes high at GG2023 competing for the title of the surely put on another great show. Another player to watch out for will be Ondrej Sedlisky from the Czech Republic, who gave a tough competition to Archie at the 2022 World Championship and missed the gold by just a few points.

Photo Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia and Sprawni-Razem

Among the II1 female players, a massive showdown is predicted between Anna Mcbride (GBR), Kelly Wren (AUS), and Hanne Lavreysen (BEL). At the age of 14, Anna McBride from Great Britain made a remarkable feat at the 2018 European Summer Games, winning the championship title and successfully defending her title at the 2019 Global Games. Hanne swooped up from second place at GG2019 to the top place at the 2022 World Championship and is not someone to be underestimated this season. Kelly missed the Gold by just few points at Krakow 2022 and will be looking for a redemption this time.

“I have recently lost weight and I now feel more energetic and can move as fast as a leopard over the court! I am training hard for the GG2023, I am continuing to train on the court to keep my level stable and off the court I am working on my endurance. I am looking forward to playing against my friends from all over the world”, Hanne told Virtus.

In Doubles, the Australian Mens Doubles team is looking forward to taking their third Global Games title but it will not be as easy as it looks. British duos Fabrice Higgins and Dominic Iannotti have been the toughest competitors for the Aussies who are returning to the Games with a determination to win the top spot. Likewise, Australian women dominated the II1 Womens Doubles in GG2019, but the dynamic doubles, Natalia Babinska & Dorota Kostka from Poland stole the spotlight at the 2022 World Championship, cementing their place as one of the top pairs in the sport last summer and only time will decide who gets their hand on this edition’s trophy.

Timothy Gould (AUS) has been dominating the II2 class since 2019 and is looking forward to having another successful event at Vichy.

With the II3 class getting introduced as a full competition event at Vichy, spectators will be rooting a little extra to welcome the first winners from this class.

It will be a thrilling spectacle as the world’s best players come together to showcase their skills with resilience and determination, and a battle for glory in the upcoming Virtus Global Games at Sporting Vichy-Bellerive Tennis.

Tennis Schedule: https://gg2023.org/en/sports/tennis-en/

For more updates, keep following GG2023 and Virtus Sport.

Portugal hoping to dominate team events at GG2023

By Callum Burchett and Mousumi Mazumdar for Virtus

Portugal has proven their dominance in all three team sports- handball, basketball, and futsal so far at different regional and Global Games. Their championship victories in these disciplines showcase their skill and talent on the international stage.

FUTSAL

Futsal, the fast-paced and skilful indoor variant of football, will once again take centre stage at the highly anticipated Virtus Global Games 2023. With adrenaline-pumping matches and unforgettable moments, the tournament will once again be a testament to the power of sport in promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of all athletes.

The Virtus Global Games 2023 futsal tournament sets the stage for a high-energy display of skill, teamwork, and sheer passion for the game. The competition will feature teams from various nations, from Portugal to Australia, and will include powerhouse squads that have honed their skills through rigorous training and dedication.

Previous editions of the Games and the teams’ performances on the world stage in recent times give rise to the potential of the 2023 Games to be the most entertaining yet. The 2019 Global Games in Brisbane saw France and Portugal top the respective group tables – Portugal in particular boasting a goal difference of +22 and eventually taking home the gold medal. This year, France will be hoping to overcome the Portuguese to be crowned champions; but there are plenty of other teams in their way.

Poland scored an incredible 30 goals across in the 2019 Virtus Futsal tournament, and with an established pedigree in the games from their results in previous years, could be a force to be reckoned with. Australia will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing showing in their home tournament in 2019, whilst Spain are perhaps the team to look out for, heading to the games this year – can they harness some of their nation’s futsal and football prowess to surprise a few people?

BASKETBALL

Portugal, the reigning champions from the 2022 European Games and GG2019, will aim to defend their title once again in the upcoming tournament. In the men’s category, the Portuguese team showcased their dominance by defeating Australia with an impressive score of 94-68 at the Brisbane Games.

Meanwhile, at GG2019, the French team secured the bronze medal by defeating Poland with a commanding score of 88-48 in the bronze medal match. Additionally, France also achieved success at the 2022 European Championship, where they earned a silver medal.

These performances highlight the strength and competitiveness of Portuguese, Australian and French teams. As they prepare for the upcoming tournament, they will undoubtedly be strong contenders to watch out for.

Winners from GG2019 Basketball – Japan

The upcoming GG2023 will witness another clash between long-standing rivals, Japan and Australia. These two nations have a history of facing each other in the finals of previous Virtus Global Games tournaments. In Ecuador 2015 and Italy 2011, Australia emerged as the victors in their encounters with Japan. The matches resulted in scores of 8-6 and 65-42 in favour of Australia, respectively. However, the tide turned in Brisbane 2019 when the Japanese women’s team achieved their long-awaited revenge. They triumphed over Australia Gold in the Gold medal match with a narrow score of 14-13, securing the top spot on the podium.

Host nation France, who narrowly missed out on the Bronze medal at GG2019 by just a few points to Australia’s second team, Australia Green, will be seeking redemption on their home soil this time around. They will be determined to make a strong impact and improve their previous performance.

The rivalry between Japan and Australia in the Virtus Global Games has been intense and captivating, and fans can expect another thrilling encounter between these two competitive teams at GG2023.

Handball

The sport of handball is set to make its debut at the Virtus Global Games in Vichy 2023 as a demonstration sport, adding an exciting new dimension to the competition.

In recent handball competitions, Portugal has demonstrated their prowess. At the 2022 Virtus European Championship, Portugal emerged victorious in a playoff match against Poland, securing a 2-1 victory. This showcased their skill and determination in the sport.

Furthermore, at the 2018 European Championship, Portugal faced Poland once again in the finals and triumphed with a close score of 24-22, claiming the championship title. France, on the other hand, settled for the bronze medal in that tournament.

With all three nations, France, Poland, and Portugal, set to compete in handball at GG2023, it promises to be an intense and competitive event. These teams will bring their best players and strategies to vie for the coveted trophy. Fans can anticipate thrilling matches as these skilled teams showcase their handball expertise on the global stage for the first time in the Virtus Global Games.

Sports schedules for Basketball, Handball and Fustal can be accessed from here.

GG2023 aims to be the first sustainable Virtus Global Games

GG2023 is poised to be the most sustainable games in the history of Virtus Global Games and all other Virtus sporting events. This historical move is a result of a landmark environmental charter consisting of 15 binding principles which was developed by French Ministry of Sports and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and has been signed by over 20 international sporting event organizers, including Paris 2024.

Logo of Sustainable development

By signing the charter, organizers pledge their commitment to deliver environmentally responsible and sustainable major sport events. The charter objectives range from ethical food sourcing, waste management and recycling, efficient water and energy consumption, maximizing clean public transport and other sustainable transport methods, guaranteeing venue and site accessibility, embracing eco-friendly innovation and promoting gender equality.

To achieve this, the 2023 Global Games organizing committee assembled a team dedicated to ‘sustainable development’ back in 2020 and signed this charter on 16 December 2021. Marie-José Lallart and Pascal Griffault are leading the sustainable team, which will be responsible for implementing the necessary measures to ensure the games are eco-friendly. The team’s efforts will encompass various aspects such as waste management, energy usage, transportation, and overall sustainability in event operations.

MEET THE TEAM

                                                   

“One of the first tasks of the sustainable development team was to raise awareness and mobilise the entire GG organising committee around this issue. Each commission was informed of the charter and the 15 commitments and they reflected internally on the actions they could put in place,” Pascal Griffault told Virtus Sport.

This initiative aims to set a precedent for future Virtus sporting events and inspire other organizations to embrace sustainable practices. GG2023 presents an opportunity to demonstrate the significance of environmental responsibility in large-scale events and promote a more sustainable future.

A Global Games conference is also scheduled to take place on 3rd June at Palais des Congrès, where speakers and delegates will share their vision on this topic.

Five Eco-Friendly Action Highlights:

  1. First Virtus Forest: As part of the sustainable initiatives at GG2023, each flag bearer will be receive a shrub at the opening ceremony which will be planted in an area destroyed by a storm to create the first Virtus forest at the closing ceremony. The Virtus forest will serve as a tangible representation of the commitment to preserving nature and will continue to grow and flourish long after the games have concluded, creating a lasting legacy of sustainability.
  2. Eco-Ambassadors: To ensure the dissemination of Eco-friendly practices and raise awareness among general public and delegates, Eco-ambassadors will be stationed at every venue of GG2023 and will serve as informative guides, actively engaging with individuals and promoting sustainable actions throughout the event.
  3. GG2023 water bottles: To reduce waste generation, the LOC has implemented a notable measure by supplying every participant with ‘GG2023 water bottles’ instead of disposable cups. This initiative aims to encourage the use of reusable water bottles, eliminating the need for single-use cups and minimizing plastic waste throughout the duration of GG2023.
  4. Drinking Tap Water: Participants will be encouraged to drink tap water, reducing the reliance on plastic barrels or gallons traditionally used for supplying drinking water and promote responsible water usage throughout GG2023.
  5. GG2023 Medals: Rumours suggest that the medals awarded at GG2023 will feature sustainable elements, although specific details have been kept secret. This sustainable approach towards the medals highlights the commitment of GG2023 to environmental responsibility and reinforces the overall theme of sustainability throughout the games.

Sustainable Development Partner

The GG2023’s sustainable team is powered by Aremacs, a non-profit association created in 2004. Its objective is to limit the environmental impacts of social, cultural and sporting events by offering concrete solutions to event organizers to reduce, manage and recover waste and by raising awareness among the public of events of respect for the environment.

A call-to-action for all visiting nations participating in GG2023 that focuses on six main areas has been provided:

 

GG2023 Sustainable actions requests for visitors

  1. SAVE ENERGY: Remember to switch off lights, fans, and electronic gadgets when they are not in use or when leaving the hotel room.
  1. CARPOOL: Encourage sharing cars or cabs with friends, team members, or delegates when travelling to and from the hotel, games venues, or around the city.
  1. SOFT MOVEMENTS: Opt for walking, cycling, or using electric vehicles to travel between venues and hotels, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation methods.
  1. SAVE WATER: 
  • Practice water conservation by closing water faucets tightly after use.
  • Take shorter showers to minimize water consumption.
  • Finish the water in your bottle instead of leaving it unused.
  • Be mindful of wise water usage throughout your entire stay.
  1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Utilize public transportation options such as buses, trains, and trams to navigate the city, reducing individual carbon footprints and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.
  1. SOLIDARITY: Embrace a spirit of solidarity by supporting and engaging in sustainable practices, fostering a collective effort towards environmental responsibility.

By following these guidelines, participating nations can contribute to the overall sustainability goals of GG2023 and make a positive impact on the environment

Virtus Academy to launch ‘Autism Awareness Course’

To celebrate the end of Autism Awareness Month, Virtus Academy is presently developing an e-learning program that focuses on autism, autism awareness and sport for people with autism. The course is scheduled to be launched by the end of May, and it will cover a wide range of topics, including basic information about autism, the advantages of sports for individuals with autism, and tools to adjust the sporting environment to accommodate the participation of athletes with autism.

“The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While many people with autism live independently, others face severe challenges and require life-long care and support. Much progress has been made in increasing awareness of autism, which is highly needed, because all people, including those with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. We hope Virtus members, coaches, parents or anyone for that matter who knows someone with autism, finds this course useful,” said Virtus Academy Manager, Debbie Van Biesen.

Virtus announced the inclusion of the II3 category, a class for athletes with autism, as a full medal event category in all of its competitions, starting from the 2023 Virtus Global Games recently. This significant milestone will allow individuals with autism to participate in top-tier global sports competitions in a distinct category, presenting transformative opportunities. As a part of the #AthleteFirst campaign Virtus launched a month ago, many II3 athletes expressed their excitement about competing at GG2023.