Virtus Global Games

Virtus is the global governing organisation for elite athletes with intellectual impairment. Formerly known as INAS, Virtus was formed in 1986 and continues to advocate for inclusion in sports, providing athletes with elite pathways to pursue their athletic goals.

Virtus’ vision is to shape “an inclusive world for people with an intellectual impairment.” The Virtus Global Games provides athletes with an intellectual impairment an opportunity to develop in elite sports.

The three eligible groups for Virtus Competitions are:

• II1 (Intellectual Impairment)
• II2 (Significant Intellectual Impairment)
• II3 (Autism)

Paralympics New Zealand is the affiliated national member organisation for Virtus in New Zealand, overseeing the elite sporting pathways and developmental opportunities for eligible athletes. Virtus seeks to strengthen its involvement with the Paralympic movement by holding the Global Games every four years in the year preceding the Paralympic Games.