PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![The initiative ‘Paralympian Recognition Programme’ aims to recognise every Irish athlete since the first Paralympic Games in Rome, in 1960.](/sites/default/files/images/160718105709662_Ireland%2Bstory.jpg)
NPC Ireland seeking past Paralympians
The NPC is asking the public to help contact past Irish Paralympians whom they hope to honour at a special event later in 2017.
![Two men in wheelchairs in suits while two people stand behind them to pose for a photo](/sites/default/files/images/170329144657965_Ronn%2BCoppenrath%2BIWBF.jpg)
IWBF’s Coppenrath receives royal honour
Secretary General of the European region Ron Coppenrath was appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
![Peter Genyn - Rio 2016](/sites/default/files/images/170109122027579_Peter%2BGenyn_Athletics_GettyImages-604237762.jpg)
Belgian Genyn receives award
The Rio 2016 double-gold medallist received the National Trophy Victory Boin.
![Man in wheelchair reaches to try and hit a tennis ball with his racquet](/sites/default/files/images/170329150307382_Tadeusz%2BKruszelnicki.jpg)
Poland, Switzerland win European Qualification
The Polish men’s and Swiss women booked their places at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in May.
![Charl du Toit - Rio 2016](/sites/default/files/images/170109122045789_Charles%2Bdu%2BToit_Athletics_GettyImages-606170714.jpg)
Workout Wednesday with South Africa’s Charl du Toit
After winning double Paralympic gold in Rio, the South African will be aiming for world titles at London 2017.
![International Wheelchair Basketball Federation logo](/sites/default/files/images/161118105504926_IWBF.jpg)
High interest in women’s development camp in Thailand
The wheelchair basketball camp, to be held in April, has more than 70 women and 20 coaches from around the Asian region registered so far.
![Group of Para cyclists gather together for a photo during the Rio 2016 Paralympics](/sites/default/files/images/170328082109978_New%2BZealand%2Bcycling%2B-%2Bgetty_0.jpg)
New Zealand Para cycling camp finds fresh talent
Attendees from the camp in January will now work toward making the development squads.
![A group of Para athletes march into a stadium with one athlete holding the Australian flag during the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony](/sites/default/files/images/170328083440074_Australia%2BRio%2B2016%2BOpening%2BCeremony.jpg)
Australia, Optus launch Think Big Challenge
The telecommunications company will look to help develop a technological solution around limited funding, access to coaching.
![London 2017 - logo for stories](/sites/default/files/images/170209173927536_athletics-london-logo.jpg)
Aggreko to power London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships
The supplier of temporary power was previously involved in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
![Miroslav Haraus](/sites/default/files/images/151028104504618_MiroslavHaraus_getty.jpg)
Europa Cup titles up for grabs in Veysonnaz
The finals in Switzerland will see skiers race in slalom, giant slalom and super combined between 29-31 March.