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An intellectual impairment is caused by the way the brain develops either before birth or in early childhood. It is a lifelong impairment and usually has a significant impact on a person’s life. Sometimes it is caused by a genetic or inherited condition, by complications during pregnancy or childbirth, or by a childhood illness. Often though, the cause is not known.

An intellectual impairment is not a mental illness, and should not be confused with conditions such as dyslexia or mental health.

People with an intellectual impairment find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. Many will find it hard to find a sports club, to enjoy organised sport or to find a coach who understand their support needs. Too often, sports organisations are simply not accessible, and do not encourage people with an intellectual impairment to get involved.

We believe that, with the right support and coaching, athletes can achieve their potential. Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport challenges attitudes by providing an opportunity to perform and to be successful.

We create role models for other people follow and we support champions. For the very best, Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport provides an opportunity to compete at an international level, including the Paralympic Games.

Guide To Classification In Para Sport

With support from the British Psychological Society, Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport has developed a series of educational resources to help understanding of the process of athlete classification.

Paralympic classification of elite athletes with intellectual Impairments
This short video will tell you the inspiring story of how athletes with intellectual disabilities have re-joined the Paralympics for London 2012. You will hear from athletes, the British Head Coach and Team Manager, the Chief Executive of the UK Sports Association and the Head of Eligibility for Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport. They discuss what is involved to become eligible to compete on this world stage, and the anticipated legacies of London 2012 for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Psychology and the Paralympics

This short film examines the role of the classifier for athletes with intellectual impairments. Jennifer Maris is a trainee clinical psychologist and she recently volunteered to use her psychological skills to help the classification process. Here she describes what this means, what’s involved and the exciting opportunities and challenges this has opened up for her.

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  • Andrew Parsons and Marc Truffaut discussed having more classes for athletes with II.

    Andrew Parsons and Marc Truffaut discussed having more classes for athletes with II.

    People with disabilities constitutes 15% of the world's population. Out of this 15%, 0.13% people have Down Syndrome, i.e., 10.2 million people.
    Virtus launched II2 class- a class for athletes with significant Intellectual impairment, such as Down syndrome, and provided them a pathway to participate in Virtus events.

    This is an exclusive video footage where President of International Paralympic Commitee, Andrew Parsons and Virtus President Marc Truffaut are discussing having more classes for athletes with Intelectual Impairment in the future Paralympic Games.
  • 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games- Brisbane Lord Mayor

    2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games- Brisbane Lord Mayor

  • Robyn Smith's message on International Women's Day 2022 #BreakTheBias #Virtus

    Robyn Smith's message on International Women's Day 2022 #BreakTheBias #Virtus

  • Reece Dunn- The Golden boy from Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

    Reece Dunn- The Golden boy from Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

    Reece Dunn is an athlete with an intellectual Impairment from Great Britain. He won 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and emerged as the most decorated athlete with an Intellectual Impairment. He was also the most successful British athlete.
  • Presentation of the Virtus para equestrian video competition 2021 (senior section)

    Presentation of the Virtus para equestrian video competition 2021 (senior section)

  • Presentation of the Virtus para equestrian video competition 2021 (youth section)

    Presentation of the Virtus para equestrian video competition 2021 (youth section)

  • Breanna Clarke (USA) Gold Medallist Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

    Breanna Clarke (USA) Gold Medallist Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

    Breanna Clarke (USA) Gold Medallist Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games 400m (T20) shares her Games experience.
  • MakingInvisibleVISIBLE - Celebrating Tokyo 2020 Paralympians in Intellectual Impairment class events

    MakingInvisibleVISIBLE - Celebrating Tokyo 2020 Paralympians in Intellectual Impairment class events

    The Paralympians who competed at Tokyo2020 in Athletics, Swimming, and Table Tennis in the intellectual impairment class events. 63 Medals. 120 Athletes. You shine like stars!
    Photo credit: OIS Photos
Prev 1 of 22 Next

Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

Virtus World Intellectual Impairment Sport, “Virtus” is the brand name of the International Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment and is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee. Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in the UK (1173901)

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