PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Games on! Brazil welcomes the Paralympics
IPC President promises Rio 2016 will “surprise, inspire and excite” as he hails the start of the ‘People’s Games’ at Maracana extravaganza.

Rio 2016 Para Athletics Prediction Panel – part two
With just a day to go until the Para athletics action gets underway at the Olympic stadium we pose three more questions to our Prediction Panel.

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.

Rio 2016 Para Athletics Prediction Panel
With two days to go until the Para athletics action gets underway, our panel of experts tell us what they’re looking forward to at Rio 2016.

Proud Paralympian relaunches at Rio 2016
Dedicated athlete education programme gives a special focus on encouraging votes in the IPC Athletes’ Council elections.

14 fun facts about Paralympic mascot Tom
The playful, leafy-headed mascot of the Rio Games is gaining fans around the world. Let’s get to know him better.

The IPC provisionally approves bobsleigh for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games
The decision means Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will feature seven sports.

Swimming superstars are ready to go at Rio 2016
Daniel Dias, Eleanor Simmonds, Carlos Serrano and Jessica Long are amongst Paralympic sport’s biggest names set to compete from 8 September.

Sina Sports partners with the International Paralympic Committee
Expanded coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are available on Sina Sports.

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.