PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

NPC Rwanda elect new President
Celestin Nzeyimana to take over as President from Dominique Bizimana

Japan soar on first day in Nagano
Japan dominated Poland and Germany beat Estonia to open up action at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships B-Pool.

Britain's Gallagher and Evans win first gold of season
After a difficult season, Great Britain's Kelly Gallagher with guide Charlotte Evans topped the podium in the women's giant slalom visually impaired at the World Cup Finals in Sochi, Russia.

Ice sledge hockey B-Pool Worlds open
The 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships B-Pool opened in Nagano on Sunday (10 March).
Russia continue to lead alpine skiing World Cup rankings
With just two more events to go, Russian athletes Alexandra Frantseva and Alexey Bugaev lead the women's and men's rankings at the 2013 IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup.

IPC’s Mestre honoured on International Women’s Day
IPC Alpine Skiing’s Sylvana Mestre was presented with the ‘2013 International Women’s Day Recognition.’

Australia appoint first female Chef de Mission
Kate McLoughlin will lead an Australian team in Sochi that’s still looking for their first Paralympic Winter Games gold medal.
Natalia Dannenberg: Who to follow, who to like on road to Sochi
The IPC's Digital Media Manager gives her top tips on who to follow and like on social media in the lead-up to Sochi 2014.

Top 10 women in Paralympic sport
In honour of International Women’s Day, here are 10 women who have had a great impact on Paralympic sport.

Ottobock launch Equipment Loaner Programme
IPC Ice Sledge Hockey will partner with Ottobock to provide NPCs and other organisations with sledges to help develop the sport in more countries.

Vergeer leaves historic legacy for female Paralympians
Although wheelchair tennis star Esther Vergeer has retired, she will certainly leave a mark on Paralympic sport for years to come.
World Cup Finals begin in challenging conditions
The 2013 IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals serve as a test event for the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014.
Sochi 2014: A look at the venues
Here’s a brief look at how the venues in Sochi are shaping up for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Sochi 2014: Scandinavians shine in wheelchair curling
Sweden, Finland and Norway have all built up foundations for strong wheelchair curling programmes in the lead-up to Sochi 2014.

Sochi 2014: Sweeney leads USA's military veterans
Josh Sweeney leads a group of five USA ice sledge hockey players with military ties who will try to defend their country’s Paralympic and world titles.

Sochi 2014: Dual-sport athletes have high hopes
Several athletes, such as USA’s Alana Nichols and Germany’s Andrea Eskau, will compete at Sochi 2014 after having taken part in London 2012.

Sochi 2014: Paralympic winter sport’s young talent
Sweden’s Per Kasperi, USA’s Declan Farmer, France’s Marie Bochet and Russia’s Alexey Bugaev are rising stars in the lead-up to Sochi 2014.

Sir Philip Craven: One Year to Go until Sochi 2014
For the One Year to Go until the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, the IPC President Sir Philip Craven shares his view on the event.
Sochi 2014: Korea aim high as future Winter Games hosts
Ever since they were awarded the 2018 Games, Korea have greatly enhanced both their ice sledge hockey and wheelchair curling programmes.
Sochi 2014: Canada seek redemption on ice
Canada’s ice sledge hockey team will look to put their disappointing fourth-place finish at the last Paralympics behind them in Sochi.