PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Zuray Marcano, 62, set for her second Paralympic Games
“Life is full of surprises,” says the Venezuelan powerlifter who will prove age is no barrier when she competes at Rio 2016.

Brad Ness named as Australia’s flag bearer at Rio 2016
“It will make me feel 10 feet tall and bullet-proof,” says the veteran wheelchair basketball star ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

Holmann seeks to win Nicaragua´s first Paralympic medal
The T36 sprinter is hoping to outdo his performance from London 2012 and reach the podium at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

World’s fastest Paralympians ready to break new records
From Jason Smyth and Jarryd Wallace to Omara Durand and Tatyana McFadden, athletes around the world are gunning for new world records in Rio.

Rio 2016 preview: judo
The sport will make its eighth Paralympic appearance and will be contested in the Carioca Arena 3 in the Barra Olympic Park.

The Opening Ceremony: 10 things you need to know
The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be launched at the Maracana with organisers promising a spectacular show and plenty of surprises.
Ekrem Gundogdu named Athlete of the Month
The Turkish goalball player led his team to a strong showing at the Malmo Men Intercup ahead of the Paralympic Games.

Para equestrian: Q&A with Alfonsina Maldonado
Get to know the Uruguayan grade IV rider ahead of Rio 2016.

Darwin Castro seeks Ecuador’s first Paralympic medal
The 23-year-old runner, who will compete in the 1,500m and 5,000m T11 at the Rio Paralympics, says athletics makes him “feel alive”.

Rio 2016 preview: Women’s 200m individual medley SM8
The USA’s Jessica Long will look to add another medal to her impressive tally.