PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Russia solidifies lead in biathlon at world cup
Russian athletes topped the rankings in four out of six categories to solidify their overall lead in the 2012-13 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup.

No. 15: Hawking calls for new age of enlightenment
The London 2012 Opening Ceremony set the tone for the Paralympics, in which audiences experienced and appreciated Paralympic sport for the first time.

No. 16: Israeli war veteran turned national hero
Noam Gershony survived an Israeli army helicopter crash just six years ago, and in 2012, he won Paralympic gold in wheelchair tennis.

No. 17: Emotions run high as Ellie excels
When Ellie Simmonds turned in the last 50m of the 400m freestyle S6 she was just eight hundredths of a second ahead of USA’s Victoria Arlen. But she pushed on to the end to win gold and set a new world record.

No. 18: Namibia takes home first ever gold
Johanna Benson made history on 5 September when she became the first Namibian to win gold at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Now, the little-known Paralympian has been nominated for the Laureus Award.
Channel 4 scoop more awards for London 2012
Superhumans campaign continues to stand top of the podium after most successful Paralympic Games ever.

IPC holds Sochi 2014 Project Review in Moscow
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) completed an end of year Project Review meeting with the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee in Moscow, Russia on Friday (14 December).

Russia Dominates Ice Sledge Hockey New Year’s Cup
The Russian team scored 29 goals in four games and gets ready for the Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Korea

No. 19: Bayley pours out emotion after semi-final victory
British table tennis star Will Bayley became known at London 2012 for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, subsequently tugging at the public’s hearts.