The Australian equestrian team claimed the gold medal at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Image by Virtus Global Games.
2027 Virtus Global Games heads to Cairo, Egypt
By Equestrian Life
Virtus has announced that the prestigious seventh edition of the Global Games, scheduled for 2027, will be hosted in Cairo, Egypt.
The Egyptian Sports Federation for Intellectual Disabilities (ESFID), Virtus Egypt Member, has successfully bid to host the quadrennial Games, and the announcement marks a significant milestone as Virtus prepares to welcome thousands of athletes from around the world to this international multi-sport event.
Virtus President, Marc Truffaut, expressed excitement about the journey ahead, highlighting the upcoming World Championships in 2024 and 2025, Regional Games in 2026, and the pinnacle event, the Virtus Global Games 2027 (GG2027):
“The GG2027 presents an exciting opportunity to showcase new and emerging talent. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Amal Mobadda, President of Virtus Egypt, and her team for securing the bid, and we wish them the best of luck in the planning process,” said Mr. Truffaut.
The Virtus Global Games, held every four years, serves as a pathway to qualification for the Paralympic Games (for some sports – at the moment, this doesn’t include para dressage). Looking ahead to LA2028 and beyond, Virtus says it’s committed to expanding the inclusion of events for athletes with intellectual impairments.
Ms. Amal Mobadda, President of Virtus Egypt and Virtus Africas Region, emphasised Egypt’s commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating athletic excellence:
“It is an honour to host this world-class event in Cairo, where culture and elite sports will converge. We are ready to welcome the best international athletes and provide them with a truly memorable experience in November 2027,” said Ms. Mobadda.
The Virtus Global Games aims to challenge perceptions and promote a more inclusive world, spotlighting the athleticism, resilience, and strength of athletes with intellectual impairments on a global stage.
At the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France, equestrian competition was included as a live event on borrowed horses (rather than a video competition as was the case previously) for the first time. The Australian team won the gold medal, with all three athletes – Andrew Driffield, Sarah Sherwood and Sui Watts – claiming individual medals as well. As exemplified by the recent Virtus Exhibition Competition, held as part of the Willing Park CPEDI, Australia is a world-leader when it comes to Virtus equestrian sport. We look forward to what will hopefully be another live event at GG2027, giving our Aussie team the opportunity to defend their world title!
Stay tuned for more information about GG2027 sports events, eligibility criteria, and competition dates. You can read the Virtus press release in full here.
Published 29 February 2024.
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