PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Solomon Islands build towards Rio 2016
The Agitos Foundation’s Organisational Capacity Programme has helped the National Paralympic Committee to strengthen its development of para-sport.

Favourites make winning start at Wheelchair Doubles Masters
The USA’s Nick Taylor and David Wagner got their pursuit of an eight title underway, whilst Japan’s Yui Kamiji and Great Britian’s Jordanne Whiley are on course for another major title.

Alpine skiing calendar for 2014-15 announced
Skiers will head to France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and the USA, for World and Europa Cups beginning on 15 December 2015.

52 British para-athletes benefit from extra funding
British Athletics’ World Class Performance Programme gives extra funding and support to athletes with medal potential on the road to the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Sivaks to test new events on European stage
The Ukrainian husband and wife team will enter separately into two new events at the 2014 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport European Championships.

Joshua George heads to Rio in Sports Envoy programme
The USA’s Joshua George, a Paralympic athletics champion, has teamed up with Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix to help bring sport to under-privileged communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Five Incheon victors qualify for Rio 2016 Paralympics
In total, 271 athletes have qualified for Rio, with five more slots secured at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para-Games.

Brazil’s football 5-a-side stars set sights on glory in Rio
The three-time Paralympic champions have not lost a major competition for seven years and are determined to add a fourth Paralympic title at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

New Zealand team prepare for busy winter season
Skiers Adam Hall and Corey Peters and snowboarder Carl Murphy are departing for the northern hemisphere in preparation for World Championships.

Stephane Houdet aims to make history in Doubles Masters
France’s Stephane Houdet hopes for a hat trick, and Japan’s Yui Kamiji and Great Britain’s Jordanne Whiley, and the USA’s Nick Taylor and David Wagner will be looking to retain their titles