THE SIXTH edition of the Virtus Global Games took place in Vichy-France recently, and our own Ethan Parry featured in the largest sports program ever for that organisation.
Virtus is the brand name of the International Sports Federation for athletes with intellectual impairment and is a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee.
“It was an amazing experience to head over to France and compete,” Ethan said.
Thousands of athletes from Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania performed across ten main sports and is the highest level of competition anywhere in the world for athletes with an intellectual disability.
This is the second time Ethan has competed at the Virtus Global Games, having been involved in the original Brisbane Games in 2019.
Ethan competed in the 100m, 200m, long jump and the tri-event, which also included shot put.
He was awarded the bronze medal in the long jump, as well as fifth in the tri-event. If not for a foul in the long-jump of the tri-event, he could have placed silver or bronze.
Before Ethan headed off overseas, the community spirit of Hervey Bay was on display with a fundraiser for his event travel and expenses.
“The cost for Ethan to travel to the Virtus Global Games was over $8,000, and the community really supported Ethan to get there,” Ethan’s mum Gail said.
“Presently there is no funded pathway for athletes with a disability like Ethan’s to get to the Paralympics, which would unlock Athletics Australia funding for him to train and compete around Australia and across the world.”
“We are hoping that will change as the Brisbane 2032 games approaches and Virtus are pushing for the inclusion of II2, the classification that Ethan competes under.”
Ethan only started his athletic journey in 2019 and has immediately made a huge impact, competing against fellow athletes well into their thirties.
He trains up to eight times a week here in Hervey Bay at the athletics fields, at Snap Fitness and Allied Fitness.
“Ethan is only a second away from placing in the 100m and 200m events. He is really striving to improve.”
“Being accepted and included is really important to Ethan, and he has thrived and grown so much as a person since starting his athletic career.”
“He has found a place where he is happy. He loves athletics, training and competing.”
