PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
Norbekov sets new world record in discus triumph
On the track, athletes lay down their markers in qualification for eagerly-awaited Fast Friday finals at the Olympic Stadium
![Veronika Vadovicova concentrates on her next shot.](/sites/default/files/images/150330200214040_Veronika%2BVadovicova%2B2015%2BIPC%2BShooting%2BWorld%2BCup_0.jpg)
Day One preview: Shooting
Shooting medals are the first up for grabs at the Paralympics Games, but who will be on target and claim gold?
![Swimmer in the water breathing between two freestyle strokes](/sites/default/files/images/140612165524293_151212971_0.jpg)
Five world records kick-start swimming at Rio 2016
New bests for China, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and Great Britain in the heats open the first day of competition at the Aquatics Stadium.
![Gold medalist Daniel Dias of Brazil celebrates on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Men's 200m Freestyle - S5 Final on day 1 of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games](/sites/default/files/images/160909122025260_GettyImages-600950782.jpg)
Dias leads the way for Brazil at Rio 2016
A bronze medal for Italo Pereiro also delights the home crowds at the Aquatics Stadium, alongside eight more world records.
![A shot of the upper half of two women holding two Paralympic gold medals](/sites/default/files/images/160111094625685_ramona%2Bbrussig%2Bger%2Bcredit%2Bgetty.jpg)
Germany’s Brussig twins go for double judo gold again
Carmen and Ramona Brussig will both defend their Paralympic titles on the opening day of the Rio 2016 judo competition.
![Facebook and Instagram collage](/sites/default/files/images/160908172343608_FotorCreated_0.jpg)
Athlete content during Rio 2016 showcased on Facebook and Instagram
Behind the scenes, 360 video, live Q&As and select events from the 2016 Paralympic Games will be available on Facebook and Instagram.
![Man in a staduim, waving a flag followed by two other people](/sites/default/files/images/150813164230491_US%2BVirgin%2BIslands.jpg)
Ivan Espinosa talks drawing and Rio 2016
US Virgin Islands’ sole representative at September’s Paralympic Games is also a talented artist.
Dias on Michael Phelps comparison: ‘I’m Daniel Dias’
The Brazilian swimmer stands to become one of the most decorated Paralympians of all time – if he wins all his events at Rio 2016.
![Fireworks explode during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium](/sites/default/files/images/160908103415004_opening.jpg)
Colourful and joyous – Rio knows how to put on a show
The Maracana stadium hosted a spectacular Opening Ceremony for the Paralympics on Wednesday (September 8).
![The Ukrainian Football 7-a-side team at the Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) Pre-Paralympic Tournament in Salou, Spain.](/sites/default/files/images/170202111536559_Ukrainian-Football-7-a-side.jpg)
Ukraine aim to reclaim football 7 Paralympic title
After winning silver at London 2012, world No.1 Ukraine will be the strong favourite to reclaim in Rio the Paralympic title they won at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.