PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Two swimmers hugging after a race](/sites/default/files/images/160503202747084_DSC_0827.jpg)
Perales, Rung share gold as Mereshko lowers 400m free world best
Ukraine's Yelyzaveta Mereshko shaved four seconds off the time of her British rival Eleanor Simmonds in the women's 400m freestyle S6.
![A para swimmer](/sites/default/files/images/160503073304694_DSC_6705.jpg)
Funchal 2016: Action to check out on day seven
David Grachat will take to the water in his favourite event in front of his home crowds in Funchal, Portugal.
![A swimmer starts their race](/sites/default/files/images/150716174949044_2015%2BIPC%2BSwimming%2BWorld%2BChampionships_20150716_Luc%2BPercival_0348_HD.jpg)
Funchal 2016: Action to check out on day six
Spain’s Sarai Gascon will go for a 100 per cent win record in her sixth race, but will have to get past the Netherlands’ European champion Chantalle Zijderveld.
![Paralympic Sport A-Z: Sitting volleyball](/sites/default/files/styles/video_crop_16_9/public/oembed_thumbnails/3NiwqoQdk5xkbg7Ya_ItLn3nSBrEQIvimovMHwb48tA.jpg?itok=JyNSadFV)
Pools announced for Rio 2016 sitting volleyball competition
The pool stages in the men’s and women’s competitions will see repeat fixtures from the London 2012 gold medal matches.
![Finland's Petri Posio and Erkki Miinala block the ball during their gold-medal match at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. After winning Paralympic gold, the Finnish squad will now host the 2014 World Championships.](/sites/default/files/images/130919140941426_151463100.jpg)
Groups drawn for goalball at Rio 2016
Reigning men’s Paralympic champions Finland will face European title winner Turkey, women’s champions Japan drawn with world gold medallists USA.
![Alex Zanardi](/sites/default/files/images/131114091300715_48%2B_0.jpg)
South Africa set to launch 2016 UCI Para Cycling Road World Cup
The first leg of the 2016 Road World Cup season will take place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, from 6-8 May.
![Sergey Malyshev of Russia, wearing glasses, a visor and ear protection shoots his Mixed P3-25m Pistol at an indoor range at The Royal Artillery Barracks](/sites/default/files/images/121114125237775_151193671_0.jpg)
Kovalchuk, Malyshev leave Szczecin World Cup with golds
Ukraine’s Kovalchuk claimed victory in the R5, while Russia’s Malyshev took home gold in the P5.
![Goalball China X Iran - London 2012](/sites/default/files/images/120903102622908_Goalball_150997931.jpg)
Sport Week: History of goalball
The sport was introduced at Toronto 1976 with a men’s event, whilst women made their debut at New York 1984.
![Goalball women's gold medal game between USA and Brazil at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.](/sites/default/files/images/151022182316127_DSC_7821.jpg)
Sixteen teams to compete at biggest women’s goalball event ever
The 17th edition of the Malmo Ladies Intercup will be held from 6-8 May
![A swimmer's head rising out of the water](/sites/default/files/images/150714170805172_2015%2BIPC%2BSwimming%2BWorld%2BChampionships_20150714_Luc%2BPercival_0054_HD.jpg)
Savtsova sets world record at swimming Euros
Portugal’s David Grachat also placed himself in pole position to claim the hosts’ first medal in Funchal.