PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

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.’

Rio 2016 preview: Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM11
New Zealand’s Mary Fisher aims to defend her Paralympic title whilst facing big competition from Germany’s Daniela Schulte.

Intellectually impaired students to witness Rio 2016
More than 20 students from the CIESP Diogo Levenhagen School will watch the wheelchair basketball competition at Barra Olympic Park.
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.

Message of peace unveiled at Rio landmark
Giant mosaic made up of 500 flags designed by local schoolchildren goes on show ahead of official opening of Paralympics.

Al-Hussein visits Ottobock for assessment
The member of the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team went to the Ottobock’s Repair Service Center for Prosthetics, Orthotics and Wheelchairs on Sunday (4 September).
Excitement building in Australia’s Rio 2016 team
Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin believes Australia has the “perfect balance” of experience ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Rio 2016 ticket sales reach 1.5 million mark
Brazil could win their first gold of the Games through Odair Santos in the men’s 5,000m T11.
Record number of broadcasters for Rio 2016
Coverage is expected to reach a global audience of four billion for the first time, and be the start of a digital revolution for Para sport.