Virtus Skiing builds momentum towards Paralympic return

For 40 years, Virtus has created opportunities for athletes with intellectual disability to compete internationally. Its skiing program now offers Alpine and Nordic events across three eligibility classes, including II3 for autistic athletes.

Since the first Virtus World Skiing Championships in 2003, the program has expanded to include separate Alpine and Nordic championships and the Virtus European Winter Games. Australian skier Georgia Yuen is among the leading athletes competing internationally in the II3 Nordic category.

Athletes with intellectual impairment last competed in Nordic skiing at the 1998 Winter Paralympic Games. Virtus is campaigning for their return and has developed a sport-specific classification system to support their inclusion.

A 2025 agreement between Virtus and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation has strengthened this pathway, with inclusion at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games a key ambition.

Read the full Virtus article or learn more about the Winter Paralympic Re-Inclusion campaign.