PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Vinicius and Tom, mascots for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150622121757680_Vincius%2Band%2BTom%2BRIO.jpg)
It’s showtime: Rio de Janeiro ready for a magical 2016
With 25 more test events, two torch relays and the Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver, 2016 will be a year to savour for Brazil.
![A picture of an athlete sit down throwing an object](/sites/default/files/images/120425092523746_142998523.jpg)
British athletics figures recognised with honours
Stephen Miller, Ian Mirfin and Janice Eaglesham all awarded MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II.
![Claudia Loesch competing in Vancouver](/sites/default/files/images/120116120302592_97901920_10.jpg)
Update on upcoming IPC Alpine Skiing races
A brief update on the status of a number of IPC Alpine Skiing races scheduled for January.
![A man seated holding papers in one hand and using his other hand to express his feelings whilst giving a talk.](/sites/default/files/images/150428140427653_11801a-2260.jpg)
IPC President's New Year Message
Sir Philip Craven looks ahead to 2016 and gives an insight into his expectations for the Rio 2016.
![The Olympic Tennis Centre hosted the first competition in Barra Olympic Park.](/sites/default/files/images/170202104925964_rio-olympic-park.jpg)
Barra Olympic Park, heart of the Rio 2016 Games, 95 per cent complete
New images of two main venue clusters illustrate strong construction progress after year in which test events began.
WADA chats with Tokyo 2020 Director of Sport about the spirit of sport
WADA caught up with the Director of Sport for Tokyo 2020 and got his thoughts on the importance of clean sport.
![Top 50 moments - No.1](/sites/default/files/images/151218124800775_1%2Blandscape_0.jpg)
No. 1: The IPC announces biggest ever broadcast and commercial agreements
Deal with NHK and Toyota underline the growth of interest in the Paralympic Movement ahead of Tokyo 2020.
![Two blindfolded men, one in a suit lying on a field of play, catching a ball](/sites/default/files/images/150909155611801_12002865_101_0.jpg)
How preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games entered the home straight in 2015
Venues built, test events staged, volunteers selected, torches unveiled, preconceptions challenged and much more... it’s been a busy 12 months for organisers of the Rio 2016 Games
![Daoliang Hu (L) of China celebrates winning gold against Anton Datsko (R) of Ukraine during the Men's Individual Foil Category B final of the Wheelchair Fencing on day 6 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150505131101702_151233846.jpg)
Ten things we learned in 2015: Wheelchair fencing
The year 2015 was action-packed for the world’s elite wheelchair fencers. Here are 10 things we learned about the sport over the past 12 months.