PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Kenyans awarded for top 2012 performances
Kenya’s NPC was named the nation’s best sports organisation of the year.

Sochi 2014 announces volunteer application deadline
The Sochi 2014 Organising Committee has set 1 March 2013 as the closing date for volunteer applications.

George wins Belgium’s Equestrala award
Michèle George became the first Paralympic athlete to win Belgium’s equestrian rider of the year award.

Cartwright and O’Hanlon win Athletics Australia awards
Kelly Cartwright and Evan O’Hanlon were named Athletes with a Disability of the Year at the Athletics Australia awards.

USA win World Sledge Hockey Challenge gold
USA defeated Canada, 1-0, for first place and Norway beat Japan, 5-0, for third place at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Calgary.

No. 23: Freney bags 8th gold in exhilarating relay
The women’s 4x100m medley relay 34 points in London could not have been closer, with Australia’s Jacqueline Freney touching the wall first for her eighth gold at the Games.

No. 24: UAE’s unexpected champion
UAE shooting athlete Abdullah Alaryani created the No. 24 moment of 2012 when he beat 28-time Paralympic medallist Jonas Jacobsson for gold.
NPC Senegal workshop attracts 17 nations
Dakar, Senegal held a five-day workshop this week to improve administration, officials and coaching in the Paralympic Movement in Africa.

London 2012 hype translates to British sledge hockey
British sledge hockey player Matt Coleman discusses the team’s development as they head to the New Year’s Cup in Russia this weekend.

Paralympic swimmer Sanchez receives Mexican sport award
Eighteen-year-old Gustavo Sanchez was Mexico’s most successful Paralympic athlete at the London 2012 Games.