PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Mascots arrive in Rio ahead of Monday's launch
Mascots from the 1980, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have arrived in Rio ahead of Monday's launch of the Rio 2016 mascots.

Penny Briscoe named as ParalympicsGB's Chef de Mission
Briscoe takes up the role for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after successfully operating as Chef de Mission during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

No. 43 Ukraine retain their European title
The Ukrainian football 7-a-side team make the Top 50 Moments of 2014 as they prove once again they are the force to be reckoned with in Europe.

Mexico City to host powerlifting Americas Champs
In a change to the original host city of Guadalajara, Mexico City, Mexico, will now stage the IPC Powerlifting Americas Open Championships between 26-29 April.

First snowboard banked slalom titles decided
Riders from the USA, the Netherlands and Italy have taken historic victories in Landgraaf, the Netherlands.

Dylan Alcott in world record attempt for charity
The Australian wheelchair tennis player is looking to play for 24-hours straight in a bid to raise money for two charities that helped him as a child.
Para-snowboard banked slalom to debut
Around 40 riders from over 10 countries will compete in the first ever banked slalom races at World and Europa Cups beginning on Wednesday (19 November) in Landgraaf, the Netherlands.

No. 44 Canada win third Paralympic wheelchair curling gold
One of the top moments of year, Canada secured a third consecutive wheelchair curling title against home favourites Russia at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico qualify for TORONTO 2015
After the 2014 IWBF Central American and Caribbean Qualification Tournament, three men’s wheelchair basketball teams have booked their place at the Parapan American Games.

Brazil make perfect start at football 5-a-side worlds
The three-time Paralympic and reigning world champions put in a strong display against Turkey and Colombia, while Japan, Argentina and China picked up their first wins.

Suur-Hamari aiming to put ghosts of Sochi to rest
Finnish snowboarder Matti Suur-Hamari is heading to the first races in Landgraaf, the Netherlands, with a fresh mind after a devastating 11th place finish at the Paralympic Winter Games.

IPC President stresses importance of para-sport in rehabilitation
Sir Philip Craven addressed the 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly on the growth and future direction of the Paralympic Movement.

No. 45 Ice sledge hockey steps it up
After the global sensation of sledge hockey at Sochi 2014, the year has been headlined by the introduction of a World Series and the first ever sanctioned women’s competition.

Hogg and Steadman win Para-Triathlete of the Year awards
The pairing were commended at the 2014 British Triathlon Awards for their achievements.

No. 46 Italy top medals table at archery Europeans
The Italians put in some pinpoint performances throughout the 2014 Para-Archery European Championships, epitomised by Elisabetta Mijno, who claimed two gold medals, making it to the IPC's Top 50 Moments
Mentel-Spee ‘excited’ for new snowboard season
Dutch Paralympic snowboard champion Bibian Mentel-Spee is looking forward to testing herself in the new format for snowboard cross and discipline of banked slalom from Wednesday (19 November).

No. 47 Great Britain’s Steadman ends McClelland’s dominance at triathlon worlds
A new world champion was born as Lauren Steadman stopped Faye McClelland’s four-year world title winning streak at the 2014 ITU Para-Triathlon World Championships.

Top six para-sport stories of the week – 9-15 November
IPC pleased with Rio 2016 progress, wheelchair tennis history made, skiing retirements and more…

David Lebuser: What wheelchair skating is all about
Lebuser says how skate parks are inclusive environments and skating can change perceptions of those with impairments.

Ice sledge hockey
A puck in ice sledge hockey reaches speeds of up to 130km/h!