RIO 2016 PARALYMPICS NEWS

Alessandro Zanardi

With three years to go until Rio 2016, we have drawn up a list of 10 para-athletes you should follow, including some heavyweights and some not-so-obvious choices.

Beatrice Vio

With social media becoming more and more important, we have made a list of the top 10 athletes to like on Facebook ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Carlos Nuzman

The President of the Rio 2016 Games outlines his vision to improve on London 2012.

Brazilian Paralympic Training Centre

Construction to begin on the countries' first ever dedicated training centre next week.

Lucas Prado

Rio 2016 will feature 177 athletics events, seven more than London 2012, and there will be a 22 per cent increase in the number of track and field medal events for women.

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• Games to feature 526 medal events across 22 sports• Women and athletes with high support needs main beneficiaries of additional events

Amanda Drennan trains in the canoe

Australian Paralympic swimmer has switched her focus to canoe for the Rio 2016 Games.

Ilham Zakiyev

With support from the president and government Azerbaijan is targeting more medals in 2016

Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell GB Skud Steam at the 2012 IFDS World Championships

Paralympic bronze medallists to return to action for first time since London 2012

Kids from social programmes invited by Brazil’s sponsor to cheer for athletes

The deal worth 120 million Brazilian real (EUR 46.15 million) until 2016 will be invested in Paralympic sport and athletes.

A picture of a person visiting a building

Members of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee went through the local airport in wheelchairs to determine what improvements must be made prior to the Games.

A picture of a woman and a man on a podium with medals around their neck

Already 27 EBU Members have committed to showing the Rio 2016 Paralympics in an extensive new agreement.

Channel 4 presenters

Channel 4 presenters

IPC awards broadcaster rights following highly competitive tender process

A picture of a woman running with a Namibian flag on her shoulder

Just six months since winning their first Paralympic gold, a new website has been launched for the National Paralympic Committee of Namibia.

A picture of a group dancing

The Rio 2016 Organising Committee held a briefing with 15 potential companies who could design their Games mascots.