PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![15,000 youngsters attended the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games thanks to the #FilltheSeats crowdfunding campaign.](/sites/default/files/images/160919131723244_1609_SchoolKids_Alana_WagnerMeier_0956.jpg)
#FilltheSeats online campaign helps create historic atmosphere at the Paralympics
Allianz spurs on the campaign that sees thousands of Brazilian children enjoy the Paralympics.
![Silver medalist Alfie Hewett and gold medalist Gordon Reid at Rio 2016](/sites/default/files/images/160917133456288_GettyImages-606518278.jpg)
Five things we learned about wheelchair tennis at Rio 2016
Eight days of superb competition in Rio saw new Paralympic champions emerge.
![Agitos](/sites/default/files/images/160816074328431_IPC%2BLogo%2B16-9.jpg)
Afghani field athlete suspended for four years for Anti-Doping Violation
Mohammad Naiem Durani tested positive for anabolic steroids in an out-of-competition test ahead of his event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Victory Hug: Marcel clinches marathon gold in Rio sun
Swiss ‘Silver Bullet’ in sprint finish to claim first Paralympic title but Tatyana McFadden narrowly misses out on fifth gold of Games.
Iran seize back Paralympic title on day of high emotion
Victory in men’s sitting volleyball final sees Iran come out on top in fifth successive gold-medal battle with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
![Australia's Chris Bond pushes down the court as USA's Josh Brewer reaches for the ball](/sites/default/files/images/160918215616140_Bogetti-Smith_Rio%2BParalympics_Rugby%2B18_20160918_0022.jpg)
Aussie delight at triumph in epic rugby final
Rio 2016 final will go down in history books as Australians retain their title with 59-58 victory in double overtime.
![Sir Philip Craven - Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony](/sites/default/files/images/160908010336109_sir%2Bphilip.jpg)
IPC President’s speech at Closing Ceremony of Rio Games
Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, addressed the Closing Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Sunday (18 September).
![Ibrahim Al Hussein](/sites/default/files/images/160826093021838_Ibrahim%2BAl%2BHussein%2B7%2Bcredit%2BUNHCR%2BAchilleas%2BZavallis.jpg)
Independent Paralympic Athlete team makes history in Rio thanks to the support of Allianz SE
“I have been dreaming of this for 22 years. I thought my dream had gone when I lost my leg but now it is back for real.” Ibrahim Al Hussein, refugee.
Obrigado Brazil! People to receive highest honour
IPC President praises Cariocas as Rio Games culminate in Closing Ceremony celebrating sounds and colours of host nation.
![Morocco's El Amin Chentouf wins the 2013 IPC Athletics Marathon World Cup](/sites/default/files/images/130421214650519_167124393.jpg)
Athletics: Marathon preview
Copacabana will provide the spectacular backdrop for five races over the marathon distance to complete the Para athletics programme in Rio.