PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Rio 2016 preview: Women’s up to 79kg](/sites/default/files/images/160826161152520_Powerlifting%2Bwomen%2Bup%2Bto%2B79.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: Women’s up to 79kg
Expect Bose Omolayo and Lili Xu pushing each other to their very limits.
Draw made for 2016 IWRF European Championship Division B
The event will take place in Nottwil, Switzerland, from 3-10 October 2016.
![Rio 2016 preview: Women’s up to 73kg](/sites/default/files/images/160826162655465_Powerlifting%2Bwomen%2Bup%2Bto%2B73.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: Women’s up to 73kg
There is a big wedge between world-record holder Souhad Ghazouani and the rest of the field.
IWBF launches new website heading into Rio 2016
The IWBF’s newly-structure website provides more user-friendly wheelchair basketball information ahead of the Paralympics.
![A Paralympian celebrates winning an award](/sites/default/files/images/160826140407433_Renato%2BOliveira%2BLeite.jpg)
Brazil’s Leite ready to be a #ProudParalympian
Reigning sitting volleyball Parapan Am champion Renato Oliveira Leite will help promote a new initiative.
![2015 IPC Powerlifting European Open Championships](/sites/default/files/images/160407112334553_powerlifting_eger%2B%25285%2529.jpg)
Para powerlifting calendar confirmed until 2020
Seven World Cups join the world and regional Championships already confirmed for 2017-2020.
![Man with amputated leg sitting close to swimming pool](/sites/default/files/images/160826115220046_Ibrahim%2BAl%2BHussein%2B2%2Bcredit%2BUNHCR%2BAchilleas%2BZavallis_1.jpg)
Ibrahim Al Hussein spreads message of hope
Syrian refugee who lost his leg will compete as part of Independent Paralympic Athletes Team at Rio 2016.
![Ibrahim Al Hussein](/sites/default/files/images/160826093021838_Ibrahim%2BAl%2BHussein%2B7%2Bcredit%2BUNHCR%2BAchilleas%2BZavallis.jpg)
Two to form Independent Paralympic Athletes Team
The full team, including Chef de Mission, coaching and support staff, will travel to Rio 2016 under the Paralympic flag.
![Sir Philip Craven](/sites/default/files/images/160531064953039_Sir%2BPhilip.jpg)
Sir Philip Craven to athletes: Be a Proud Paralympian
The President of the International Paralympic Committee has written an open letter encouraging athletes to get involved in a new venture at Rio 2016.
![Rio 2016 preview: Men’s up to 80kg](/sites/default/files/images/160826162622859_Powerlifting%2Bmen%2Bup%2Bto%2B80.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: Men’s up to 80kg
World champion Xiao Fei Gu has a chance to upgrade his Paralympic silver to gold.