PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Sport Week: Brazil's time to shine in sitting volleyball
Wellington Platini says focus and aggression essential for Brazil to beat the strong teams in Rio.

What makes the perfect…endurance para-athlete?
Switzerland’s Marcel Hug gives us his insight on how to be one of the world’s best endurance para-athletes.

Urban new secretary general of NPC Germany
The position had been vacant for the past three years.

How I got into para-athletics: Cuba’s Yunidis Castillo
The sprinter who is Cuba’s most successful Paralympian gives us an insight into how she started out in athletics

First ever Global Running Day set for 1 June
The day will include the first ever Million Kid Run which aims to get one million kids around the world pledge to run on the day.
IPC present former Allianz CEO with the Paralympic Honour
Michael Diekmann was presented with the accolade by IPC President Sir Philip Craven in recognition of Allianz’s 10 years of support of the IPC.
Sport Week: Sitting volleyball ones to watch at Rio
Keep tabs on these four athletes expected to help their teams to gold in September’s Paralympic Games.

IPC Governing Board approves two more Tokyo 2020 venues
The confirmation of the powerlifting and track cycling venues means 21 out of 23 venues have been approved.

Peruvian Rimas hoping World Cup events can act as a catalyst to Rio 2016 gold
The para-cycling world champion is hoping May’s two events will put him on the road to Peru’s first Paralympic gold for 16 years.

Sport Week: Sitting volleyball storylines
Five potential storylines to follow in the sport heading into the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Para-taekwondo season to get underway with Asian Open Champs
About 54 athletes from 13 countries will get to secure points toward world rankings.

Brazilian swimmers prepare for Rio 2016 Test Event
Brazil’s finest will face swimmers from around the world at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium from 22-24 April.

Last wheelchair rugby spots for Rio at stake
Six teams will battle for two spots left in September’s Games during the Paralympic Qualifier Tournament.
IPC Athletics hosts training courses to increase expertise
Training courses to increase the number of National Technical Officials and International Classifiers took place in Grosseto, Italy, to coincide with the IPC Athletics Grand Prix.
France celebrate seven snow sport crystal globes
With 49 podiums at the World Cup level in alpine skiing, snowboard, cross-country skiing and biathlon, French athletes had an incredible season.

WADA statement on meldonium notice issued to stakeholders
The Notice provides clarification regarding its inclusion on the Prohibited List; existing excretion studies and those underway; and, the results management and adjudication process

Para-athletics explained: Wheelchair racing
In the third edition of ‘Para-athletics explained’, renowned Paralympic coach Jenni Banks helps us uncover the intricacies of wheelchair racing.

Sport Week: History of sitting volleyball
Learn how the sport originated and how it entered the Paralympic programme.
Schedule confirmed for swimming Euros
A total of 453 athletes from 52 countries will compete for honours over seven days from 30 April.

McGuire receives Allianz Athlete of the Month for March
The British boccia player won his first Individual Worlds title.