History in Motion: The First Tip-Off of the VIBF World Basketball Championship

Today marks a historic moment in the global movement for inclusive sport as the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) officially tips off the VIBF World Basketball Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The opening ceremony of the VIBF World Basketball Championship took place at the Saryarka Velotrek and Zhekpe-Zhek Arena. The ceremony was attended by Serik Maratovich Zharaspayev, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Abai Alpamysov, President of the national Basketball Federation of Kazakhstan, Barry Holman, Secretary General of Virtus, representative of Animate of Astana, Board members of VIBF – Yossi Romani, Tony Mr Tony Guihot, along with many other dignitaries, athletes and international delegates.

The ceremony kicked off with the welcome speech for the athletes and guests, followed by a powerful yet elegant performance by artists from Makwin, showing the local dance of Kazakhstan.

The logo of the Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) was officially revealed at the ceremony as well and was very well received by the audience and supporters of VIBF. The logo consists of the acronyms of the federation name — ‘VIBF’ and a basketball rising above the ‘I’ — coloured in the iconic Virtus palette to symbolise unity across nations and disciplines.

While Virtus has proudly supported international basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment since 1992, this event will signify something more: a bold new chapter. With the creation of VIBF, the legacy of basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment will accelerate.

 

Welcoming the athletes and supporters of VIBF, Secretary General of Virtus, Barry Holman, said,

“Virtus has supported international basketball for athletes with an intellectual impairment since 1992. Over more than 30 years, we’ve seen incredible talent in 5×5 basketball, and more recently, the exciting growth of 3×3 competition. This is the largest basketball championships in our history.”

“The creation of the Virtus International Basketball Federation reflects our renewed commitment to grow the game further. This means promoting gender equity, supporting the expansion of 5×5 globally, and driving our campaign for the re-inclusion of 3×3 basketball in the Paralympic Games by Brisbane 2032.”

“Kazakhstan is now a key part of that journey toward excellence and inclusion of Virtus players along with all other elite basketballers. By hosting this championship, Kazakhstan has shown true leadership in inclusive sport. Your hospitality, professionalism, and pride in this event send a powerful message—that every athlete deserves a platform, and every nation can lead in building a fairer sporting world.”

“To the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Kazakhstan Basketball Federation, the leaders, staff and volunteers of IDSport and to all the people of Kazakhstan: thank you for your partnership and belief in what this event represents to these elite players and to the world.”

“To our athletes: you are the heart of everything we do. Competing here means more than chasing medals—you are helping shape the future of our sport. You are the champions of your nations and now enter the arena to compete for the title of world champion. We can’t wait to see you show your skill.”

The 3×3 Basketball Championship will be taking place first, followed by the 5×5 Basketball Championship. Athletes from 11 countries, Australia, France, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Venezuela and the USA will be competing in the 3×3 Basketball format. In 5×5 Basketball, Australia, Japan, Portugal and Spain will be fighting for the championship title.

This championship is not only about competition — it’s about gender equity, global development and a united push for reinclusion on the Paralympic stage.

As the championship unfolds, we celebrate more than sport. We celebrate a global movement that is building a legacy and growing opportunity.

Let the games begin. Follow us @theVIBF

For full results and event updates, visit the competition website.