PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Top stories of the week – 30 November-6 December
Elections, awards, nominations, technology and new publications all dominated the news this week.

US Para-Equestrian team fundraising initiative hits new highs
Margaret Duprey is aiming to raise USD 800,000 to help the US team in the lead-up to Rio 2016

No. 25 Canada win the world title on home territory
After finishing sixth at London 2012, the Canadian women’s wheelchair basketball team made more than amends at the World Championships.

Reptyukh 'eager to test' himself at season opener
Ukrainian cross-country world champion Ihor Reptyukh cannot wait to get started on the road to Cable 2015 at the first World Cup of 2014-15.

British Triathlon World-Class Para-triathlon Programme confirmed for 2015
A squad of 12 elite para-triathletes has been named by Great Britain as Rio 2016 fast approaches.
Young skiers set for Serbian races
The latest IPC Alpine Skiing youth races will also feature education for young athletes.

Mary Fisher wins New Zealand national award
The para-swimmer has won the national award for her dedication both in and out of the pool
Bowden: Our USA clash won’t be the same story as Sochi
USA goaltender Steve Cash also predicts a ‘good tilt’ at the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey A-Pool Worlds in April.

No. 26 Othman’s four record feat
Egyptian powerlifter Sherif Othman broke his own world record four times at the 2014 IPC Powerlifting World Championships and plans to make his debut in a higher weight category in 2015.

Russian NPC presents awards, opens new headquarters
Athletes and team members were recognised at the IX Return to Life Awards and a new fully accessible headquarters was opened in Moscow.

IBSA signs contract with IPC for SDMS system
All IBSA athletes must be registered on the new system by 1 January 2015.
Nominees wanted for Women’s Day award
To mark International Women’s Day, the IPC is calling on its Members to nominate someone who embodies the spirit of the Paralympics and inspires women within it.
IWAS staff to take on new roles and challenges
From 1 December new roles were finalised for the IWAS team.

Australian McGrath embarks on second season
After winning many accolades in his debut season, Curtis McGrath is now looking ahead to Rio 2016

Argentina organiza el primer Día Paralímpico Nacional
La celebración incluirá demostraciones de deportes paralímpicos y la entrega de unos premios conmemorativos a los medallistas de los Juegos Paralímpicos de Tokyo 1964.

IPC Alpine Skiing Media Advisory
Media accreditation for the 2015 IPC Para-Snowboard World Championships now open

Final Paralympian magazine of 2014 published
The focus of the Paralympic Movement’s official magazine this edition is the growth of Paralympic sport in Ukraine and how it currently coping with difficult times.

How to hit the target without sight?
Athletes aim with the help of an infrared system that enables shooting by hearing.

Argentina to hold first National Paralympic Day
Inaugural national celebration of para-sport will see demonstrations and a commemorative award given to Tokyo 1964 medallists.

No. 27 Brazil win historic goalball gold
The Brazilian men’s goalball team beat Paralympic champions Finland on home soil to claim their first world title.