RIO 2016 PARALYMPICS NEWS
![Agitos symbol unveiled on Copacabana Beach.](/sites/default/files/images/160902163448727_agitos.jpg)
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.
![Siamand Rahman Ones to Watch main picture](/sites/default/files/images/130402114513717_Siamand.jpg)
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.
![Logo IPC Academy](/sites/default/files/images/150729154652085_IPC_academy_Logo_RGB-01.jpg)
2016 IPC Academy Campus officially opens its doors
More than 500 representatives from Organising Committees in PyeongChang, Tokyo and Beijing will see how the Paralympic Games operate.
![An athletes poses in front of a picture of Rio de Janeiro](/sites/default/files/images/160906223452551_Proud%2BParalympian%2Blaunch.jpg)
Proud Paralympian relaunches at Rio 2016
Dedicated athlete education programme gives a special focus on encouraging votes in the IPC Athletes’ Council elections.
![Rio 2016 Paralympic Games mascot Tom](/sites/default/files/images/170202110832664_Rio-mascot-tom.jpg)
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.
![Daniel Dias](/sites/default/files/images/160425092414200_daniel%2Bdias.jpg)
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.
![Women on prothesis poses for a picture](/sites/default/files/images/160902211827367_JaabxK4C_0.jpg)
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.
![Brad Ness and Alberto Pellegrini](/sites/default/files/images/140327162644407_151191614_0.jpg)
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.
![Sina Sports logo](/sites/default/files/images/160906093904515_sina%2Bsports.png)
Sina Sports partners with the International Paralympic Committee
Expanded coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are available on Sina Sports.
![Sprinter in action](/sites/default/files/images/150814161636947_GettyImages-453817246.jpg)
World’s fastest Paralympians ready to break new records
From Jason Smyth and Jarryd Wallace to Omara Durand and Tatyana McFadden, athletes around the world are gunning for new world records in Rio.
![Zuray Marcano](/sites/default/files/images/160906122302581_Zuray%2BMarcano%2B-%2Bcredit%2BZuray%2BMarcano.jpg)
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.
![Aerial view on stadium](/sites/default/files/images/160603134409573_Maracana.jpg)
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.
![Gabriel de Jesus Cuadra Holmann competes at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150521092154910_Gabriel%2BCuadra%2BHolmann%2B1_0.jpg)
Holmann seeks to win Nicaragua´s first Paralympic medal
The T36 sprinter is hoping to outdo his performance from London 2012 and reach the podium at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
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.
![Two judokas in competition](/sites/default/files/images/120601115905234_AntonioTenorio813.jpg)
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.
![Ecuadorian coach Freddy Geovanni with Darwin Castro and his guide.](/sites/default/files/images/160620074446060_Darwin%2Band%2BSebastian.jpg)
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”.