Nagano 2013 - Media Centre

Paralympics Opening Ceremony in London will include content from competing Athletes for first time

With 4,280 athletes competing in London, we’ve chosen a select five who head into the Paralympics already having breakout years.

Judo

Russia, Azerbaijan and Great Britain will all be chasing China in 13 judo events.

Athletics

Take a moment to think about where you came from to get to the world’s stage.

Wheelchair Tennis

In London, Dutch sensation Esther Vergeer will try to keep her unbeaten streak of 440 matches alive as she goes for her four consecutive Paralympic singles gold.

Wheelchair Basketball

London 2012 has come around faster than expected, but it is time to show the world what we all can do.

Athletics

With some of the biggest names in Paralympic sport competing in 170 medal events, athletes on the track and field are expected to light up Olympic Stadium.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is likely to be one of the most hotly contested sports at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with hundreds of athletes participating over 10 days of enthralling action.

As the second biggest sport on the London 2012 programme, swimmers such as Australia’s Matt Cowdrey, Brazil’s Daniel Dias and Great Britain’s own Ellie Simmonds should steal the headlines.

Sir Philip Craven hails "extraordinary strides in helping to change the world's perception of people with an impairment".

Great Britain

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

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

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

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.