PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

US Paralympics name Cycling National Team for 2015
Highlights of the 2015 season will include World Championships in track and road para-cycling

No. 20 Schaffelhuber wins five-out-of-five in Sochi
Germany’s Anna Schaffelhuber became only the second woman to win all five alpine skiing events at a Paralympic Games.

Canadian sailor’s determination has led her to Melbourne
Tracy Schmitt sold her home and everything she could not fit into her car to try realise her Rio 2016 dream.

IFDS Disabled Sailing Combined World Championships launched
Event will take place in Melbourne, Australia, starting in November 2015

Egypt’s Ibrahim Hamato to receive special award
Para-table tennis player became global YouTube sensation after a video of him playing the sport using his mouth to hold the racket went viral.

‘Young Potential’ course a success for fifth-year
The annual event held in France has this year led to the introduction of three new versions for different athletes and sports.

Para-alpine skiing – standing vs. sitting category! Which one is faster?
The top speed in the sitting category of para-alpine skiing is 115 km/h whereas athletes in the standing category can reach speeds up to 125 km/h!

No. 5 Young swimmers highlight season
Teenagers Chantalle Zijderveld and Ian Silverman and youngster Yevheniy Bohodayko, amongst others, put in sensational performances in 2014.

New “Our champions” campaign launched in Spain
Spanish para-cyclists star in new TV campaign which aims to show Cofidis’ commitment to Paralympic sport
Walker celebrates comeback with two wins on home snow
USA’s alpine skier Tyler Walker wins two NorAm Cup races in his hometown Aspen

Hungarian fencers set for Hong Kong World Cup
After enjoying great success at the last World Cup on home soil, Hungary is sending eight athletes to the final World Cup of 2014.

No. 21 Morganti upsets the formbook with equestrian gold in Normandy
Italian upsets multi-Paralympic champion to secure her first major career title ahead of her 10th anniversary in the sport.

USTA to stage high performance wheelchair tennis camp
Camp set to feature 14 top US wheelchair tennis players, including nine Paralympians.

No. 9 McKeever returns from fall to win gold
Canada’s Brian McKeever famously fell flat on his back during the 1km sprint race at Sochi 2014, but overtook three competitors to claim gold.

Websites for Mexico City and Almaty 2015 launched
IPC Powerlifting launched sites for regional Championships in Asia and the Americas, where fans can find out everything they need to know about the Rio 2016 qualifiers.

Jarvela wins on home snow at Vuokatti IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup
Finland’s Maija Jarvela wins women’s 12.5km biathlon standing.

Baku hosts first ever boccia national championships of Azerbaijan
IPC Vice President Andrew Parsons attended the historic event

No. 22 IPC innovates on digital
As digital media continues to play an important role in fan experiences, the IPC has led the way with innovative projects in 2014.

Just days left to vote for Rio 2016 mascot names
The public have until Sunday 14 December to vote for their favourite names for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic mascots.

No. 18 Para-snowboard makes sensational debut
Dutch rider Bibian Mentel-Spee and the USA’s Evan Strong became the first Paralympic champions at Sochi 2014, and the sport has continued to progress.