PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Lee Pearson, Pepo Puch and Alena Rosenburg at the 2017 Al Shaqab competition in Doha, Qatar.](/sites/default/files/images/170307113237492_equestrian.jpg)
Puch opens season with triple victories
The Austrian Paralympic champion was among the returning riders from Rio 2016 to take top prizes in Doha.
![David Willsie of Canada](/sites/default/files/images/170307114443192_David%2BWillsie.jpg)
Cote to coach Canadian wheelchair rugby
Patrick Cote will take over as head coach, while David Willsie will serve as assistant.
Rebecca Meyers seeks to continue promoting Para sports
With the start of the swimming season just around the corner, USA’s three-time Paralympic champion has outlined ambitious goals that go way beyond the pool.
![People in wheelchairs on ice rink, curling](/sites/default/files/images/170307162831946_WWhCC2017-6647.jpg)
WWhCC2017: Six teams tied for second after day four
With Canada, Germany, Norway, Scotland, South Korea and China all tied, the remaining sessions will be crucial.
![Mark Arendz](/sites/default/files/images/161114101824110_GettyImages-121007110.jpg)
Mark Arendz excited to race at Paralympic course
The Canadian Nordic skier is a strong favourite for gold in the men’s biathlon standing events at the World Cup in PyeongChang, South Korea, from 10-15 March.
![Male swimmer celebrates on pool deck](/sites/default/files/images/170307170505465_Arnost%2BPetracek.jpg)
Arnost Petracek voted Czech Para athlete of the year
The swimmer took home his nation’s lone gold medal from Rio 2016.
![Ibrahim Al-Hussein is a refugee swimmer](/sites/default/files/images/170307164542090_IPC-Nikos_Karanikolas-5910.jpg)
Ibrahim Al-Hussein wins prestigious USSA award
The Syrian refugee swimmer competed for the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team at Rio 2016.
Roland Garros is top of the list for Griffioen
The Dutch player’s main target for 2017 is not to remain as world No.1 but to win more Grand Slams.
![IPC Governing Board 2013](/sites/default/files/images/131124190518059_GB.jpg)
Nominations process opens for IPC Governing Board elections
The successor to IPC President Sir Philip Craven will be elected this September in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
![Robin Cuche of Switzerland competes in the Men's Slalom 2nd Run - Standing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.](/sites/default/files/images/151007092939586_cuche.jpg)
Switzerland’s Cuche focused on Paralympic prize
Robin Cuche won his first World Championships medal in January, surprising himself, and is working towards PyeongChang 2018.