PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Women on prothesis poses for a picture](/sites/default/files/images/160902211827367_JaabxK4C_0.jpg)
Opening Ceremony to star Amy Purdy with ‘surprise partner’
The US snowboarder and model will perform samba-inspired dance with special guest partner at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
![A picture of the flame at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/140704133155773_LON_0609_2854.jpg)
Heritage Paralympic Flame lit in Stoke Mandeville
The flame was lit at the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement and will be brought together virtually with flames from five Brazilian cities to create the Paralympic Flame.
![US para-equestrian rider Sydney Collier with service dog Journey.](/sites/default/files/images/140907113140196_Journey%2Band%2BSydney%2BCollier_0.jpg)
Para equestrian: Q&A with Sydney Collier
Get to know the US grade 1b rider ahead of Rio 2016.
![P4 (mixed 50m pistol SH1)](/sites/default/files/images/160901161053538_3.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: P4 (mixed 50m pistol SH1)
Iran’s Sareh Javanmardidodmani looks to add the P4 Paralympic title to her resume.
![Arly Velasquez](/sites/default/files/images/120113122759100_Arly%2BVelasquez%252C%2BMEX.jpg)
Mexico’s Velasquez ready to inspire #ProudParalympians
Alpine skier Arly Velasquez will be one of the athlete leaders at the relaunch of Proud Paralympian at Rio 2016.
![Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) logo](/sites/default/files/images/150821095026808_Logo%2BAus%2BParalympics%2Blandscape2.jpg)
A statement from the Australian Paralympic Committee
Para cyclist Michael Gallagher has been sent home after an out-of-competition drug test in July.
![Women’s 400m freestyle S6](/sites/default/files/images/160902084507938_400m.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: Women’s 400m freestyle S6
Ukraine’s Yelyzaveta Mereshko and Great Britain’s Eleanor Simmonds will fight in the race for the title.
![Two judo athletes fighting on a tatami or judo mat.](/sites/default/files/images/160610074739532_GettyImages-150996946.jpg)
Algeria name delegation to Rio 2016
Mouloud Noura is among those to watch at the Paralympics Games.
![Logo of the Agitos Foundation](/sites/default/files/images/161019114537195_Agitos_Logo_final_symbol-01.jpg)
Foundation for Global Sports Development expands support
The organisation has already played a major part in the development of Para sports and will now support education programmes for the next five years.
![Woman on horse](/sites/default/files/images/160901213849121_Emma%2BBooth.jpg)
Para equestrian: Q&A with Emma Booth
Get to know the Australian grade II rider ahead of Rio 2016.