PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Paralympian Purdy: I’m loving my Rio experience
US snowboarder speaks of fondness for the host country of the 2016 Paralympics ahead of her appearance at Opening Ceremony.

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.

Paralympic Mural unveiled at the Paralympic Village
With messages written from all over the world, the Mural is meant to signify a commitment toward a ‘new world.’

Benoit Huot: My best and worst moments
The Canadian swimming legend reflects on an illustrious career, including the highs and lows.

The bar is loaded: Powerlifters ready for Rio 2016
After setting world records in 15 out of the 20 weight categories in 2015, 183 lifters are ready for the most competitive Paralympic Games yet.
Johnson eyes Rio 2016 gold medal double
New Zealand’s best shooter believes it is important to aim high as he heads into his fourth Paralympic Games.

Athletes who embody Paralympic spirit will win gold
Special award is named after Korean doctor who has championed Para sport for more than 50 years.

Para equestrian: Q&A with Roberta Sheffield
Get to know the Canadian grade III rider ahead of Rio 2016.

Eduardo Dutra set to make his Paralympic debut in Rio
The T54 wheelchair racer hopes competing at September’s Paralympic Games will inspire Uruguayan people to pursue their life dreams.

Mariano Travaglino to referee at his second Paralympics
Ahead of Rio 2016, the Argentinian shares his experience of being one of the world’s best blind football referees.

The 10 must watch events of Rio 2016
A guide to the hottest tickets at the upcoming Paralympic Games as the world’s best Para athletes prepare to inspire and excite the world.