PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Arnost Petracek voted Czech Para athlete of the year
The swimmer took home his nation’s lone gold medal from Rio 2016.

Ibrahim Al-Hussein wins prestigious USSA award
The Syrian refugee swimmer competed for the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team at Rio 2016.
Roland Garros is top of the list for Griffioen
The Dutch player’s main target for 2017 is not to remain as world No.1 but to win more Grand Slams.

Nominations process opens for IPC Governing Board elections
The successor to IPC President Sir Philip Craven will be elected this September in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Switzerland’s Cuche focused on Paralympic prize
Robin Cuche won his first World Championships medal in January, surprising himself, and is working towards PyeongChang 2018.

Three reasons why Jessica Long loves swimming
After competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, the US swimmer will be back to the pool at the 2017 World Para Swimming Series in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 11-12 March.

Walsall to host European Judo Championships
The British city will stage the continental event between 3-6 August.

Puch opens season with triple victories
The Austrian Paralympic champion was among the returning riders from Rio 2016 to take top prizes in Doha.

Cote to coach Canadian wheelchair rugby
Patrick Cote will take over as head coach, while David Willsie will serve as assistant.
Rebecca Meyers seeks to continue promoting Para sports
With the start of the swimming season just around the corner, USA’s three-time Paralympic champion has outlined ambitious goals that go way beyond the pool.