PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![A picture of a man celebrating on a bench press](/sites/default/files/2021-08/GettyImages-151147636.jpg)
Tokyo 2020: Para powerlifting in numbers
Facts, numbers and records to get ready for all the Paralympic action that kicks off in Japan on 26 August
![Haven Shepherd](/sites/default/files/2021-08/Haven%20Shepherd.jpg)
Blast survivor Shepherd relishing second chance in Tokyo
'I’ve always joked with my siblings (that) I’m the miracle child, I’m the favourite with mum and dad'
![Italian wheelchair fencer Beatrice Vio competing](/sites/default/files/images/190209134848876_Beatrice-Vio-Wheelchair-Fencing.jpg)
Italy's Bebe Vio seeks second gold in wheelchair fencing
After winning the foil category B event at Rio 2016, Italy's Beatrice Vio (left) is ready to make history again in Tokyo
![Close up of swimmer doing breast stroke](/sites/default/files/images/160912000603584_GettyImages-603004518.jpg)
Para swimming features star athletes in pursuit of records at Tokyo 2020 Games
Multimedallists such as Daniel Dias, Sophie Pascoe and Jessica Long seek to obtain a record number of medals at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre
![US wheelchair basketball player Jake Williams holds the ball on top of his head preventing British defenders from taking posession of it](/sites/default/files/2021-07/jake-williams-usa-wheelchair-basketball-uliphoto.jpg)
USA to defend wheelchair basketball gold medals
Winners in both men and women's competition at Rio 2016, the Americans are the ones to beat in Tokyo
![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)
Tokyo 2020 Day 1: Ones to Watch
Brazilian superstar swimmer Daniel Dias and Australia's Ryley Batt, considered the best wheelchair rugby player in the world, are among the attractions of the first day of competition
![Andrew Parsons Opening Ceremony](/sites/default/files/2021-08/1800624.jpg)
IPC President Andrew Parsons' Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony speech
Full text of Andrew Parsons' Opening Ceremony address
![Sarah Storey cuddles her daughter and displays her gold medal](/sites/default/files/2021-08/1071988%281%29.jpg)
British serial winner Sarah Storey chasing cycling glory on track and road
Multiple medallist Storey juggles sport and motherhood as she targets third consecutive C5 3000m individual pursuit title
![Natalia Partyka competing in Rio de Janeiro](/sites/default/files/images/160914134252549_GettyImages-588939342.jpg)
Partyka seeks fifth gold medal in table tennis at Tokyo 2020
After wins at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, Polish believes the road to another gold won't be easy
Australia promise to put on show in bid for third wheelchair rugby gold medal
Decorated captain Ryley Batt sounds warning to rivals USA and Japan