PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Hetmer plans for Rio 2016 marathon after skiing success
Czech Republic’s bronze medallist from the 2015 alpine skiing Worlds reveals he is also trying to qualify for Rio 2016 Paralympic Games marathon.

No. 15 First IPC Snowboard World Champs a success
Dutch teenager Chris Vos sweeps all events as banked slalom, snowboard-cross head-to-head and two lower-limb impairment classifications debut.

Beijing launches Organising Committee for 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will take place between 4-13 March.

KPC celebrates 10-year anniversary
The Korean Paralympic Committee held a ceremony to celebrate the growth of the Paralympic Movement in the country.

Wheelchair basketball instructors reap benefits
An instructors course run by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation had an big impact on the sport thanks to Agitos Foundation support.

No. 16 Wheelchair tennis sees new leaders in Griffioen, Alcott
Jiske Griffioen, Dylan Alcott become the new leaders in their respective categories, while the biggest upset came in the men’s singles.

ISAF becomes World Sailing as part of rebrand
The governing body of sailing, formerly known as ISAF, has officially announced its rebrand to 'World Sailing - A Sport for Life.’

Double gold for Rothfuss and Salcher
The Paralympic medallists were in excellent form in Pitztal, Austria, claiming victory in super-G and super combined at the IPC Alpine Skiing Europa Cup.

No. 17 Badminton, taekwondo join Tokyo 2020 programme
A total of 22 sports will be included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with two expected to make their Paralympic debuts.

Netherlands to host 2019 World Para Archery Championships
World Archery’s Executive Board appointed hosts of seven World Championships up until 2020 at its meeting in Istanbul, Turkey.
Four world records fall at British swimming nationals
Jessica-Jane Applegate, Bethany Firth and Eleanor Simmonds are amongst those to set world, European and British records in Manchester.

No. 18 Bochet makes history with 11th consecutive World title
French skier Marie Bochet became the first skier in history to sweep all events at consecutive World Championships.

Brazilian tennis stars turn out for Rio 2016 Test Event
CPB ambassador Gustavo Kuerten was among the tennis legends checking out the Barra Olympic Park.
Seguin follows up World title with World Cup gold
The French world champion won the 2.4mR race at the Sailing World Cup in Melbourne.

Iran’s Hajikolaei seeks return to Paralympic gold
After a silver medal from London 2012, the Iranian men’s sitting volleyball team want to prove they are still the best.

Rio 2016 unveils Paralympic Torch
With the four Paralympic values inscribed on its side in Braille, the torch will spread the spirit of the Games across Brazil.

Big read: The man behind Rwanda’s sitting volleyball success
The Dutch coach has revolutionised the sport in Rwanda, helping both the men’s and the women’s teams qualify for their first Paralympic Games in history.

Canada win Torino 2015 sledge hockey tournament
The Paralympic medallists secured a 7-1 victory over hosts Italy whilst South Korea take third place in Torino.

No. 19 Canada win 15 TO2015 swimming medals
At the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, Canada secured a record 168 medals, helped by the performances of swimmers on “Super Sunday."

New Asian Paralympic Committee strategy revealed
The Asian Paralympic Committee intends to become one of the leading regions within the Paralympic Movement.