Rana Gamaley, a prominent figure in Egyptian sports administration, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (Virtus). The election took place during the organization’s General Assembly, held in Cairo over the weekend of November 8–9, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Egypt’s growing influence in the field of inclusive sports.
A New Era for Virtus Leadership
The elections also witnessed a historic moment with the appointment of Robyn Smith, a recipient of the Order of Australia, as the first woman ever to assume the presidency of Virtus. Smith previously served as Vice President, earning widespread recognition for her leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion within global sports. She succeeds Marc Truffaut, who served two consecutive terms as President and is credited with expanding Virtus’s global reach and visibility.
Egypt’s Growing Role in Global Sports Inclusion
In her remarks following the announcement, Rana Gamaley expressed pride and gratitude for the trust placed in her by the international community. She vowed to represent both Egypt and Africa with dedication, saying she will “strive to be a true ambassador for inclusion, unity, and opportunity.”
Gamaley highlighted the unwavering support of Egypt’s political leadership, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has prioritized initiatives empowering individuals with disabilities. She also praised the backing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the leadership of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, for its sustained commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes of determination.
Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027
Gamaley announced that preparations have already begun for Egypt to host the Virtus Global Games 2027 in Cairo, an event expected to draw thousands of athletes from around the world. The upcoming Games are anticipated to reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional hub for inclusive sports and international cooperation.
A Global Gathering in Cairo
The Virtus General Assembly brought together representatives from 57 member nations, reflecting the growing global reach of the federation. The opening session featured a virtual address from Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, who joined remotely from Saudi Arabia, commending Egypt’s role in hosting the event and reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering inclusion in sports.
Attending the assembly were leading Egyptian sports officials, including Dr. Amr El-Haddad, Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, and Engineer Amal Mobdie, President of the Egyptian Federation for Intellectual Impairments and Vice President of the Egyptian Paralympic Committee. Also present were Dr. Ashraf El-Ajeel, Vice President of the Federation for Intellectual Impairments and Treasurer of the Paralympic Committee, alongside outgoing Virtus President Marc Truffaut.
The event concluded with optimism and a renewed commitment to collaboration among nations to expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities—cementing Cairo’s role as a bridge between continents in advancing the global inclusion movement.
