The Virtus Global Games are being held in Vichy (France) with Para-Karate included for the first time in the sports programme. The most important event for elite athletes with intellectual impairments, the 2023 Virtus Global Games showcased Para-Karate’s great added value to multi-sport events.

The Spanish delegation ended up on top of the final medal table of the Para-Karate competition after claiming a total of four medals including two golds. Italy and Canada also finished the event on a high note with one gold each.

Lucia Sanchez opened the gold medal count for Spain after winning the title in Intellectually Impaired Female K21. The Spaniard who is the current continental silver medallist defeated Olivia Kakosy of Hungary in the final.

The crown in Intellectually Impaired Male K21 also went to Spain as Carlos Huertas defeated Albert Singer of Germany in the final, with scores of 24.3 to 24.2. It is one more title for the Spaniard who is the current World and continental titleholder.

Meanwhile, in Intellectually Impaired Female K22, the title was claimed by Natalie Olson of Canada. The current continental champion and World Championships bronze medallist defeated Andrea Maria Matari of Spain in the final with scores of 22.5 to 21.8.

The crown in Intellectually Impaired Male K22 was taken by Mattia Allesina of Italy who beat Victor Manuel Prieto of Spain, with scores of 24.7 to 24.3. Allesina wins one more recognition after taking the gold medal at the European Championships and the silver medal at the last World Championships.

The Para-Karate competition at the Virtus Global Games was once again a demonstration of the resilience of the Para-karatekas and the strength of will of the Para-Karate athletes who showed the extraordinary effects of the sport on athletes with intellectual impairments.

2023 VIRTUS GLOBAL GAMES

(Picture: Virtus)