PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Zhang Cuiping celebrates with her gold medal

Chinese shooter claims the first gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Anthony Peddle

The first day of powerlifting competitions starts with a line-up of champions.

A picture of a girl cycling

The first of the swimming finals takes place with no fewer than 15 medals being decided on the first day of competition.

Jason Smyth

Irish sprinter Jason Smyth will try to defend his title as fastest Paralympian on the planet.

Chinese Goalball Women's Team

All 12 of the men’s teams and six of the 10 women’s teams will feature in Thursday’s opener at the Copperbox.

Esther Vergeer in action at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Esther Vergeer looks to continue remarkable winning record

A picture of a man in a wheelchair playing basketball.

Both Australia’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball team’s proved why they’re some of the world’s best on Day 1 of competition

A picture of a man swimming

New Zealand’s Sophie Pascoe and Great Britain’s Jonathan Fox smashed world records in the pool to open the Paralympic Games.

A picture of a stadium

Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Ian McKellen will guide the London 2012 Opening Ceremony at Olympic Stadium.