PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Paralympics New Zealand - logo for stories](/sites/default/files/images/170210084013669_Paralympics%2BNew%2BZealand.jpg)
Christchurch to host Paralympics New Zealand Open Day
The third edition of this event since the end of Rio 2016 will take place on 18 February and aims to raise awareness of Para sports in the country.
![Successful sporting events are a consequence of the hard work of many people behind the scenes.](/sites/default/files/images/170210105851537_Finsterau%2B2017_0.jpg)
The people who make Finsterau 2017 possible
Successful sporting events are a consequence of the hard work of many people behind the scenes.
![Logo International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA)](/sites/default/files/images/161021115132121_IBSAlogo.jpg)
IBSA launches 2019 World Games bid process
It will be the sixth edition of the event, with the previous ones taking place in Madrid, Quebec, Sao Paulo, Antalya and Seoul.
![Woman with no legs in sit ski on a slope](/sites/default/files/images/161212155831907_Wicker%2BVuokatti.jpg)
What helped Germany’s Wicker reach Worlds podium?
The German sit-skier, who won silver in the women´s biathlon middle distance sitting at Finsterau 2017, says a good book always helps her relax before competing.
![Day 1 Highlights: 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships](/sites/default/files/styles/video_crop_16_9/public/oembed_thumbnails/WnmNZeKLJ4XB9eqw6JnSRiUTD_r3VA2FhlAmZmlD5ys.jpg?itok=c9rL_9RS)
Fleig opens home World Championships with gold
There were also further podium finishes for German biathletes in Finsterau on Saturday (11 February).
![Croatia NPC 2016 sport awards](/sites/default/files/images/170210152629848_Croatia%2Bawards.jpg)
Croatia, New Zealand Para athletes collect awards
Mikela Risto, Zoran Talic, Liam Malone and Sophie Pascoe all received prestigious national honours.
![Germany's Andrea Eskau won gold in the long distance cross-country at Cable 2015](/sites/default/files/images/150126005142970_Eskau%2BCable%2B2015.jpg)
Andrea Eskau excited about competing at home Worlds
The German will be a strong candidate for gold in the women´s sitting events Finsterau, from 10-19 February.
![Japanese Nordic skier Kazuto Takamura](/sites/default/files/images/170210082844348_Takamura_0.jpg)
Takamura´s goals for Worlds go beyond the tracks
The Japanese Nordic skier, also an acupuncture professor, hopes his performance in Finsterau can inspire his students to strive for their best.
Bye ‘hungry for more’ as Nordic Worlds near
Having been pleased with his season so far, the young Norwegian is hoping to make a step up in Finsterau, Germany.
![IBSA Goalball](/sites/default/files/images/150326114106593_IBSA%2Bgoalball.jpg)
Malmo Open to feature six top European teams
The goalball competition will take place in Malmo, Sweden, between 11-12 February.