The organisation's Governing Board approved the updated policy in September, with the document then sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for approval.

WADA has approved the publication of the document, which will come into effect on January 1 in 2021.

"I would like to thank WADA for the fantastic support they gave us as we worked through this project and delighted that we were able to conclude it more than three months ahead of the deadline," said Trudi Jackson, chair of the Virtus Anti-Doping Committee.

"Virtus is committed to ensuring clean sport for all athletes with an intellectual impairment.

"I urge all member organisations to ensure they have updated their own policies and procedures ahead of its implementation."

Virtus – formerly the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments – organises events in summer and winter sports.

Around 300,000 athletes compete annually in Virtus competitions, with athletics, swimming and table tennis among the sports featuring at the Paralympic Games.

Virtus also holds the annual Global Games, which has become the world's biggest high-performance sports event for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Nearly 1,000 athletes from 50 countries competed in 10 sports at last year's event.

Virtus' approved anti-doping policy can be accessed here.