The World Karate Federation has partnered with Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

The World Karate Federation has partnered with Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport to jointly promote and develop Karate for people with intellectual impairment.

Following the memorandum of understanding signed by the two organisations, WKF and Virtus agree to work together to implement strategies to further develop the sport of Karate for people with intellectual impairment. The promotion and development of programmes tailored for Karate athletes with an intellectual impairment will be implemented at both national and international levels. In addition to different awareness activities, both organisations agree to conduct clinics and seminars for coaches and staff members.

“The development of Para-Karate is very important for the WKF. Ever since the Para-Karate categories were created, and Para-Karate competitions were included at our World Championships, the modalities of Para-Karate have registered exponential growth. I am sure that our agreement with Virtus will be a step forward in our intention to maximise opportunities in the development of Karate for people with intellectual impairment, and that it will set the foundation for greater recognition of the modality of Para-Karate,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.

“We are excited to welcome World Karate Federation into Virtus family. We value and appreciate our growing collaborations with International Federations and the partnership work to grow sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment,” said Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport president, Marc Truffaut

Para-Karate was first launched at the 2012 World Karate Championships. The first-ever Para-Karate World Championships was held in Bremen (Germany) in 2014 along with the 2014 Senior World Championships. Three categories are currently included in Para-Karate: Wheelchair Athletes, Visually Impaired athletes, and Intellectually Impaired athletes.