“This is a significant milestone for the Virtus family and our efforts to promote and support athletes with an intellectual impairment,” said a Virtus spokesperson via their 7 November press release.
“APSO is a collective of International Federations and organisations governing sports in the Paralympic programme. By joining, Virtus gains access to a powerful network of like-minded organisations committed to elevating the Paralympic movement and advocating for the rights and opportunities of athletes.”
Virtus President Marc Truffaut said the organisation is delighted to join APSO. “We aim to work together to enhance visibility within the Paralympic community, receiving the recognition they deserve for their incredible talents and achievements.”
“As a member of APSO, we will have a stronger voice in advocating for the interests of our athletes and ensuring they receive the opportunities and support they need to excel,” he further added.
Excited with the collaboration, APSO President, Sabrina Ibáñez said,“We’re pleased to welcome Virtus as an APSO member. As a founding IPC partner and key Paralympic stakeholder, Virtus brings invaluable expertise to support International Federations in engaging athletes with intellectual impairments. With Virtus on board, our collective voice grows even stronger.”
Currently, APSO has twenty International Federations in membership – including the FEI. Virtus joins as an Affiliate member.
Andrew Driffield and Volpino with Assistant Coach Sally Francis at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Image by Virtus Global Games.
Paving the way for Paralympic inclusion
Virtus has been part of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since its inception, however, there hasn’t been a category in equestrian sport at the Paralympics for athletes with an intellectual disability since Sydney 2000.
Some sports, such as athletics and swimming, currently have Paralympic classifications that include athletes with an intellectual disability, however other sports – such as para equestrian – do not at present.
While equestrian athletes with intellectual disabilities can technically be included in the current grades if they also have an eligible physical disability, the current classifications offered at a Paralympic Games don’t effectively accommodate them. There is hope that in the future, this will change.
While becoming a member of APSO doesn’t directly result in the inclusion of a classification for Virtus Equestrian athletes at a Paralympic Games, it’s a step in the right direction.
