2023-12-31-accounts - International Sports Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment

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i[(virr us Frp A •rLI* Eu"JADE virfi ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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VIRTUS PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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Dear Virtus family and friends,

I am delighted to share our annual report for 2023 – the year of the 6[th] Virtus Global Games.

Before we reflect on that incredible event, I want to begin by going back to the start of the year which saw the 2023 World Skiing Championships taking place in Seefeld, Austria. This was the 3[rd ] attempt, after being forced to cancel the event in 2021 and 2022, but it was more than worth the wait as our largest entry ever saw a fantastic competition in the beautiful Tirolean mountains. Not only was the event of huge importance to the athletes, but also to our organisation which has been calling for inclusion in the Winter Paralympic Games for many years. The event in Austria would provide the springboard to reignite our efforts, working in partnership with FIS (the International Federation for para-ski) and the International Paralympic Committee.

Frustratingly our request for inclusion in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games was not supported, but our attention moved immediately to the 2030 Games, with the bid due in early 2024. As a Governing Board we are unanimous in our view that it is time to end the exclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment from the Games and committed to growing our efforts to achieve success as the year went on.

The devastating earthquake in Turkey meant the cancellation, at short notice, of the 2023 World & European Indoor Athletics and so attention turned to the 6[th] Global Games taking place in Vichy – France in June.

The months leading up to this event were incredibly busy as it soon became clear that with the largest number of sports and the largest medal programme ever delivered, the Games would be attended by the largest number of athletes ever. Eventually close to 1000 athletes would join the event which was attended by Geneviève Darrieussecq - Minister Delegate to the Minister of Solidarity, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities, Andrew Parson- President of International Paralympic Committee, Frederic Aquileira, the Mayor of Vichy along with other dignitaries from the region.

Over the following 7 days, we witnessed incredible competition across the venues with fierce rivalry on the field of play equalled by incredible friendship, sportsmanship and camaraderie from athletes who epitomise the Virtus values. As the head of the organising committee I remember the hard work, determination and commitment of the staff and volunteer team – but also the wonderful sense of achievement that followed. I want to pay tribute to everyone who made the Games possible and an experience that I will never forget.

The event calendar ended with the World & European Cross Country Championships and the Open European Half Marathon & 10km Championships in Poland and Portugal respectively. As always I would like to thank everyone who hosted an event in 2023, or committed to hosting a future competition, without whom we simply could not deliver such an outstanding programme.

Away from the field of play, our organisation continues to grow as we welcomed new members organisations, saw the athlete membership continue to rise, and our reach and impact globally hit an all-time high. Thank you to my colleagues on the Governing Board, our staff team and our many committee members. Together you drive the organisation forward to reach ever higher goals and ambitions.

Most importantly however, in this Global Games year, I want to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of athletes we support each year. You are all role models for your sport and no-one can be failed to be moved by your passion and commitment.

Thank you to all of you – whatever your sport – for making this another incredible year and we look forward to the next chapter as we head into 2024.

Marc Truffaut, President

President – Marc Truffaut (FRA)

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ABOUT VIRTUS
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The organisation was founded in 1986 as INAS - the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments. In 2019 the organisation adopted a new, modern and striking brand: Virtus. As a member of the Paralympic family, it is responsible for the management of the Global Games and world and regional Championships in Paralympic and non-Paralympic sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Our vision is that athletes with an intellectual impairment across the world have the opportunity to achieve excellence in sport and high-level competition.

The Virtus membership comprises more than 85 nations, two International Federations and the Virtus Regions. We receive no government or sports lottery support and so each year must raise all the funds required to meet the ever-growing need for support and development.

Virtus changes attitudes, creates opportunities and develops pathways in sport to ensure that athletes with an intellectual impairment can progress to elite competition and perform at the highest possible level.

Our strategic priorities (2021-2024) are:

To deliver Exceptional Services. To maximise Influence and Reach. To strengthen Organisational Health.

Often the costs of maintaining the organisation are, by necessity, passed onto our member organisations, and too often, onto the athletes themselves.

Virtus benefits from a large team of international volunteers - sports experts, psychologists, anti-doping and medical professionals, sports managers and administrators - all of whom have a passion and commitment for ensuring athletes with an intellectual impairment can compete at the highest possible level and be the best that they can be.

The organisation is led by its Governing Board and supported by a number of sub-committees covering each sport, eligibility, medical and anti-doping specialisms.

COMPETITION 44

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STRATEGIC PLANNING
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Early in 2021, the Governing Board met to begin strategic planning process that will define our aims, activities and priorities in the years ahead. Following the success of the Global Games and a far-reaching re-brand in 2019, expectations and ambitions were high and the Board were determined to maintain the momentum created as we go forward and build on the platform we have created.

Over two days, the Board looked at a range of ideas and innovative programmes that will take Virtus forward before an organisation-wide consultation was undertaken to test these thoughts and to hear from members, athletes and supporters.

By September, the final version of the plan was conceived and 3 new Strategic Priorities had emerged:

DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES - As the world governing body of sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment, we will champion best practice, deliver projects to create lasting change and promote world-leading sport and competition.

MAXIMISE INFLUENCE AND REACH - We will substantially grow the Virtus brand, extend membership and maximise strategic partnerships to ensure sport is inclusive of people with an intellectual impairment.

STRENGTHEN ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH - We will strengthen the organisation to ensure it can globally drive effective and lasting positive change for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Taken together, these priorities will help us achieve our refined mission:

“To drive the development of elite sport worldwide for athletes with an intellectual impairment”

The new plan comes into effect from January 2021 and will define our work to beyond the next Global Games.

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THE VIRTUS EMBLEM
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The Virtus emblem combines these elements representing: Four elements that represent the characteristics of all athletes with intellectual impairments…

Character

Excellence

Athletes strive to reach the top of the podium, to improve themselves and their performances with every sprint, swim, throw, shot and move. Through this they change perceptions and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.

Athletes display incredible strength of character both on and off the field of play. They work hard, overcome set-backs and never give-up. They are important ambassadors for sport for people with intellectual impairments, showing others what can be achieved and breaking down barriers.

Integrity

Courage

It takes great courage to train and perform, to put yourself and your body on the line to reach the best in your sport. With their immense achievements, athletes change perceptions.

Athletes with integrity play honestly and fairly, always respecting the rules and results.

‘Virtus’ - a Latin word which was first used in ancient Rome – perfectly captures the spirit of athletes with intellectual impairments who live our new values through their sporting performances and achievements.

Four elements that represent our organisational role and purpose…

Promote

Advocate

We ensure that the rights of athletes with intellectual impairments are recognised and considered in the global sports landscape. We also work with sports governing bodies to ensure athletes with intellectual impairments have the opportunity to compete under their banner.

We strive to ensure that as many people as possible know about high performance sports for athletes with intellectual impairments and the opportunities that exist to compete at an international level. We also aim to ensure that everyone knows about the amazing achievements of the athletes, so that they can enjoy better support and recognition.

Organise

Govern

We work with our member countries to organise major international events for athletes with intellectual impairments such as world and regional Championships in 14 sports, supported by global governing bodies. This ensures athletes can compete regularly at the highest levels against the best in the world.

We oversee the development and growth of elite sport for people with intellectual impairments at the highest level. This includes setting rules and ensuring fair play in areas such as anti-doping.

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MEMBERSHIP
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We were delighted to welcome a number of new organisations into the Virtus family in 2023.

(National Member Organisations) Namibia

(International Federations)

World Baseball/Softball Confederation World Dodgeball Federation

(National Federation)

Tanzania Swimming Federation

Aobve were amongst those joining in 2023 taking total membership to 83 nations and 94 members globally.

83 nations and 94 members globally. and 94 members globally.94 members globally.globally.

Meanwhile the number of athletes grew considerably in 2023. Around 1000 new athletes registered during the year, fuelled by the growing II2 and II3 categories (for athletes with multiple impairment and autism respectively).

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FINANCE
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Statement of Financial Activity

	2023 (£GB)	2023 (£GB)	2022 (£GB)	2022 (£GB)
Income	Unrestricted	Restricted	Unrestricted	Restricted
Fees	97596	0	87280	0
Events & Projects	166813	0	31674	64635
Income Generation	384	0	5	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Total	264793	0	118959	64635
Expenditure
Governing Board & Committee Costs	23492	0	8807	0
Development Activities	19953	12080	32551	546
Marcomms	33993	6250	19605	0
Income Generation	3168	0	0	0
Memberships	1218	0	1050	0
Office Costs & Administration	1822	0	2097	0
Staffing Costs	66240	24500	66696	0
Staff Travel	2010	0	666	0
Insurance	6073	0	5323	0
Bank, Financial & Management Charges	3240	0	-4361	0
Depreciation	0	0	0	0
Other	1073	0	478	0
Total	162280	42830	133551	546
Difference	102514	-42830	-14592	64089
Closing Balance	226773	21259	124259	64089

As a not-for-profit organisation, Virtus is entirely reliant on the income it receives from fees, events, fundraising and voluntary donations to promote sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment. The 2022 budget included a significant investment from reserves in our activities, though inevitable the worldwide pandemic also impacted finances. A full analysis of our financial performance can be found in the annual accounts published at virtus.sport.

Balance Sheet

Fixed Assets	2023 £GB	2022 £GB
Tangible assets	0	0
Current Assets
Cash at bank	95842	164147
Debtors	152191	26061
Prepayments	0	0
Total Assets	248033	190208
Current Liabilities
Creditors & Accruals	0	1858
Loans	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	1858
Net Current Assets	248033	188349
Funds
Unrestricted Funds	226774	124260
Restricted Funds	21259	64089
Total	248033	188349

You can help athletes to achieve their dreams and show generations of young athletes, their families, and the world that an intellectual impairment is no barrier to sporting excellence by making a monthly or one-off donation at virtus.sport

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GOVERNING BOARD, COMMITTEES & STAFF STRUCTURE (AS AT 31.12.2023)
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Governing Board Eligibility Panel President – Marc Truffaut (FRA) Linda Chen (CHT), Daniele Parker (GBR), David Eley (GBR), Vice President - Vacancy Dr. Michelle Gilpin (CAN), Helen Glossop (GBR), Peter Baker (GBR), Secretary General - Barry Holman (USA) Jennifer Maris (GBR), Jo Mueller (GBR), Jo Webber (GBR), Members at Large – Birol Aydin (TUR), Yossi Romano (ISR) Kate Ferrara (GBR), Kyongmee Chung (MAC), Laura Vidal (ARG), Amal Mobadda (EGY), Patrick Chan (HKG), Aaron Benjamin (IND) Mark Hancock (GBR), Patricia Giampa (BRA), Patsie Leaning (GBR), Co-opted Member - Prof. Jan Burns (GBR), Ian Conyers (USA) Shinichi Miyazaki (JPN), Doris Chan (CHT), Tim Williams (GBR), Robyn Smith (AUS) Claudia Albuquerque (BRA), Emma Booker (GBR), Tom Crossland (GBR), Nial Devlin (GBR), Daniel Kriz (USA), Virtus would like to thank Fausto Pereira (POR) and Suzie Lemmey (GBR), Ana Garduno (MEX), Jade Redfearn (GBR), Hiro Taniguchi (JPN) for their extensive service to the Governing Board. Anthony Follino (CAN)

Virtus would like to thank Fausto Pereira (POR) and Hiro Taniguchi (JPN) for their extensive service to the Governing Board.

Management Team Executive Director - Nick Parr Event & Partnerships Advisor – Nithi Suppiah (consultant) Communication & Marketing Officer – Mousumi Mazumdar (consultant) Virtus Academy – Debbie Van Biesen (consultant) Anti-Doping Advisor – Juliana Soares (consultant)

Medical Committee

Chairperson - Catherine Fayollet (FRA), Ralph Belig (FRA), Piera Marchettoni (ITA) Elections Committee Chairperson - vacancy Aimee Ng (HKG), Athletics Committee Sport Director & Europe - José Costa Pereira (POR) Akihiro Inoue (JPN), Kenny Kubayi (RSA), Richard Robert (USA) Pauline Awange (KEN)

Anti-Doping Committee Chairperson - Trudi Jackson (USA), Matsontso Mathebula (RSA), Juliana Soares (BRA), Marcelo Patricio (BRA), Caio Medauar (BRA) Finance Committee Chairperson - Karon Nicol (GBR), Paul Charnvit (THA)

Games Committee

Chairperson – Barry Holman (Governing Board) Patrick Chan (Governing Board), Robyn Smith (Governing Board), Alex Figueroa (COL), Richard Robert (USA)

Eligibility Committee

Basketball Committee Skiing Committee Sport Director – Tony Guihot, Richard Magnette (FRA), Riccardo De Infanti (ITA) – Sport Director Alpine Skiing Naoki Ogawa (JPN), Simon Robinson (AUS), Emma De La Cruz (MEX) Hideki Arai (JPN) – Sport Director Nordic Skiing Paula Scherl (AUT), Christian Gianese (FRE) Cricket Committee Sport Director – Ian Martin (GBR), Aaron Dragwidge (AUS), Swimming Steering Group Eugene Jacobs (RSA), Alphonse Benjamin (IND) Dave Harman (GBR) Supported by representatives from ** Cycling Committee Sport Director – Rinus Verboom (NED), Philippe Com (FRA), Table Tennis Committee Louise Jones (AUS), Avtar Singh (IND) Chairperson – Victor Lee (BRA) Committee pending Equestrian Committee Chairperson - Uta Rindfleisch (CHT) Mary Longden (AUS), Tennis Committee Amanda Heath (GBR), Ulrich Nickel (GER), Sondra Marshall (USA) Lesley Whitehead (GBR) – Sport Director Andrea Sneed (USA), Kris Vanden Boer (BEL), Football/Futsal Committee Dr Danielle Gescheit (AUS), Mohamed Abdelsattar (EGY), Sport Director – John Ball (GBR) Dina Temirgaliyeva (KAZ) Gustavo Caik (ARG), Goran Engström (SWE), Joseph Matlakala (RSA), Herve Dewaele (FRA), Naoki Tsushima (JPN)

Many thanks to those people who stepped down during the period: Noellen Dix, Camilla Aldeco

Judo Committee Chairperson - Kerry Tansey (GBR) Kerry Tansey (GBR) – Sport Director Tomoo Hamana (JPN), Wofgang Janko (GER), Johan Orrbo (SWE) Xavier Barker (AUS), Aviv Raguan (ISR), Rudi Verhagen (NLD)

Rowing Committee Chairperson - Nuno Santa Rita (POR) Simon Goody (GBR), Chris Farrell (GBR), Nuno Santa Rita (POR), Julie Holman (USA)

Chairperson - Prof Jan Burns MBE (GBR) Members: Catherine Fayollet (FRA), Kirsten Van Heerdon (RSA), Mohammad Vaez (IRA), Oili Sauna Aho (FIN)

International Sport Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment

www.virtus.sport

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@SportVirtus
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@virtus.sport

Virtus is the brand name of the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment and is a recognised member of the International Paralympic Committee. Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in the UK (1173901)

i[(vitr us ANNUALACCOUNTS TO 31" DECEMBER 2023 VirtU5. Mailbox 13 Alison Busine55 Centre, 39 lsOn Cre51eTrL Sheffield. S2 IAS t) 44 845 600 9890 el enquiries@virtus.sport wlvirtus.sport Page I

CONTENTS Page 3 Legal and administrative information Page 4 Trustees report Page 5 Independent examination report Page 6 Statement of financial attivities Page 7 Balance Sheet Page 8 Notes to the accounts Page 2

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity number 1173901 Registered office Mailbox 13 Alison Business Centre 39 Alison Crescent Sheffield 52 1AS Great Britain Bankers Yorkshire Bank Fargate Sheffield S1 1LL Great Britain President Directors {at 31.12.2023) Marc Truffaut Chevalier de la légion d'honneur (FRA) Vacant Barry Holman IUSA) Birol Aydin (TUR) Yossi Romano IISR) Patrick Chan MH (HKGI Amal Mobadda IEGY) Humberto Ferreira (BRA) Aaron Benjamin {INDI Prof.Jan Burns MBE IGBRI lan Conyers (USA) Robyn Smith OAM IAUS) Vice President Secretary General Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member At Large Member At Large Co-opted Member Co-opted Member Co-opted Member Principal Officer Executive Direttor Nick Parr {GBRI Independent Examiner Norma Martin IGBR) Page 3

TRUSTEES REPORT On behalf of the Governing Board. l am delighted to present our annual accounts for si the year to 31 December 2023. This is an important year on the field of play. with the Global Games taking place in Vichy, but also important for the organisation off the field of play. Unrestricted Income for the year was £265k whilst costs were £162k- overcoming the deficits caused largely by the impact of the global pandemic in recent years and giving Virtus the opportunity to invest in services and projects as move into 2024. We were pleased to once again support our member organisations by discounting the annual membership fee and for a full OveieW of our activities throughout the year and how we invested funds. the organisations annual report will be available online from April. I would like to thank everyone who supported the organisation over the year and look forward to a successful year ahead. Mr Marc Truffaut VIRTUS President Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT I report on the accounts of the Organisation for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 6 to 7. Res ective res onsibilities of the overnin board and examiner The charity's governing board is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's governing board considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ib) of the 2011 Act,. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of inde endent examiner's re ort My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also i ncludes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. min In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Att have not been met; or 121 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Norma Martin Date: Page S

Statement Of Fi nancial Activities for 12 months to 31.12.2023 2023 2022 Unrestricted £GB Restricted £GB Unrestricted £GB Restricted £GB opening Balance Notes 124259 64089 138851 Income Fees 97596 87280 Income Generation Events, Projects & Grants Other 166813 31674 64635 TOTAL INCOME 264793 118959 64635 Expenditure Governing Board & Committee Costs Event5, Projects & Development Marcomms Fundraising Memberships Office costs Staffing costs Staff travel & meetings Volunteers Insurance Professional & management fees Bank charges & exchange rate variances Depreciation Other TOTAL EXPENDITURE 23492 19953 33993 3168 1218 1822 66240 2010 8807 12080 6250 32551 19605 546 1050 21YJ7 66696 24500 666 301 6073 429 2811 5323 339 4361 1073 162280 478 133551 42830 546 Difference 102514 -42830 -14S92 64089 Final C105ing Balance 226773 21259 124259 64089 Page 6

Balance Sheet for 12 months to 31.12.2023 Notes £GBP £GBP Fixed Assets Tangible assets Cash at bank and in hand Debtors 95842 152191 164147 26061 Prepayments TOTAL ASSETS 248033 190208 Creditors and accruals 1858 Loans TOTAL LIABILITIES 1858 Net Current Assets Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 226774 21259 248033 124260 64089 188349 Pag9 7

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1. Income from membership fees and athlete licensing. Fees are set out in the Schedule of Fees available at virtus.sport. 2. Income from the Virtus event programme and grants towards projects and development. 3. Costs associated with supporting our voluntary governing board and sub- committees. Costs met by member organisations who nominate individuals to committees lie. in-kindl are not included. 4. Includes salary and on-costs. 5. Represents events income and Virtus confirmed this was received injanuary 2024. 6. Includes grant income received for specific {restritted) projects. RESERVES POLICY The VIRTUS reserves policy allows for reserves equivalent to a maximum of 7596 of one years running costs and is intended to secure the continued delivery of projects and activities in the event of an unforeseen fall in income. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION Each year VIRTUS benefits from a significant contribution from its many volunteers and member organisations who meet the travel and accommodation of expenses associated with VIRTUS Governing Board and sub-committee meetings. These costs are estimated to be approximately £90,000 each year of in-kind support. Page 8

i[(vitr us ANNUALACCOUNTS TO 31" DECEMBER 2023 VirtU5. Mailbox 13 Alison Busine55 Centre, 39 lsOn Cre51eTrL Sheffield. S2 IAS t) 44 845 600 9890 el enquiries@virtus.sport wlvirtus.sport Page I