More than 900 athletes from 47 countries are scheduled to compete across 13 sports at the Virtus Global Games, which are for athletes with intellectual impairments.

During his speech as part of the Opening Ceremony IPC President Parsons spoke of his excitement for the forthcoming edition of the Games, due to run through to June 10.

"After the last edition of this great sporting event, I left Australia tremendously impressed at the level of competition, and, most important, the performance of the athletes," Parsons reflected.

"We are delighted to see all three competition classes, II1 (intellectual disability), II2 (intellectual disability and addition impairment) and II3 (autism eligibility group) classes to compete in this edition of Virtus Global Games.

"At the IPC, we are committed to working with Virtus and International Federations to develop greater opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment to compete at the highest level in the Paralympic Movement."

Competition in Vichy is due to take place in table tennis, tennis, taekwondo, karate, judo, handball, futsal, horse riding, cycling, basketball, rowing, swimming and athletics.

The Opening Ceremony featured a parade of athletes which made their way through the streets of Vichy with plenty of colour and music, before concluding on the steps of the Opera House.

Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus and the Organising Committee of the 2023 Global Games also made an address during the Opening Ceremony saying: "You (the athletes) are models for all of us.

"Your determination and sportsmanship are a source of inspiration for us, and you showed us that nothing is impossible when we believe in ourselves and commit to giving our best.

"I would like to thank everyone who has made this Global Games possible.

"The Global Games is a celebration of diversity.

"They remind us that strength and talent know no limits.

"Every individual, regardless of their ability, can reach excellence."

The Games are set to act as a Paris 2024 Paralympic qualification event in table tennis.

Meanwhile, Virtus has started a new campaign to get Nordic skiing on to the programme for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.