PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Great Britain

Great Britain aiming to continue their dominance with USA and Australia looking to take home medals.

Stoke Mandeville hosts the start of flame’s journey to Olympic Stadium

The London 2012 Paralympic Flame was created at Stoke Mandeville Stadium with a legendary lineup that included IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

Rights Holding Broadcasters include America, Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland and Iran.

Great Britain

The Five Paralympians of the Torch Relay competed in one of the first four Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair Basketball

With a lot of up-and-coming talent, several teams will look to knock off defending Paralympic champions Australia on the men’s side and USA on the women’s side.

Shooting

New Zealand’s first shooting world champion was announced at the Team’s official Welcome Ceremony, held at New Zealand House.

Athletics

Five-time Paralympian is voted by his teammates to have the honour of carrying the stars and stripes in the athletes procession.

Canada

Wheelchair rugby veteran Garrett Hickling and boccia player Marco Dispaltro are eager to excite the crowds in the British capital.

Equestrian

Great Britain has been dominant recently inside the equestrian arena, though Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands will be pushing for the podium in London.

Shooting

The first medal at London 2012 will awarded in shooting with Republic of Korea, Sweden and Great Britain expected to feature strongly throughout the eight days of competition.

The IPC has chosen 50 top athletes to provide video blogs to the world during London 2012.

Five individuals, including Paralympians and coaches, will be inducted into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame on Thursday (30 August).

Table Tennis

Despite starting competition early on the day after the Opening Ceremony, table tennis player Mateja Pintar is eager to carry Slovenia’s flag.

Great Britain

IPC President Sir Philip Craven says: "All the ingredients are there for best Paralympic Games ever."

Musicians across UK will perform their own unique renditions of Viva la Vida at the same time before the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony.

Take a trip back into time as we approach the Paralympics, refreshing your memory on who are some of the best to have ever competed at the Paralympic Games.

Cyclist Simon Richardson will light the Paralympic ceremonial cauldron outside City Hall in Cardiff on Monday.

Athletics

Here are five storylines many Paralympic fans may not be aware of but could steal the headlines once the London 2012 competition begins.

Ireland

In Ireland, Setanta Sports will air 73 hours of London 2012 coverage with a panel of Paralympians and Olympians.