PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Wheelchair Basketball

London 2012 has come around faster than expected, but it is time to show the world what we all can do.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is likely to be one of the most hotly contested sports at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with hundreds of athletes participating over 10 days of enthralling action.

As the second biggest sport on the London 2012 programme, swimmers such as Australia’s Matt Cowdrey, Brazil’s Daniel Dias and Great Britain’s own Ellie Simmonds should steal the headlines.

Sir Philip Craven hails "extraordinary strides in helping to change the world's perception of people with an impairment".

Great Britain

Great Britain aiming to continue their dominance with USA and Australia looking to take home medals.

Stoke Mandeville hosts the start of flame’s journey to Olympic Stadium

The London 2012 Paralympic Flame was created at Stoke Mandeville Stadium with a legendary lineup that included IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

Rights Holding Broadcasters include America, Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland and Iran.

Great Britain

The Five Paralympians of the Torch Relay competed in one of the first four Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair Basketball

With a lot of up-and-coming talent, several teams will look to knock off defending Paralympic champions Australia on the men’s side and USA on the women’s side.

Shooting

New Zealand’s first shooting world champion was announced at the Team’s official Welcome Ceremony, held at New Zealand House.

Athletics

Five-time Paralympian is voted by his teammates to have the honour of carrying the stars and stripes in the athletes procession.

Canada

Wheelchair rugby veteran Garrett Hickling and boccia player Marco Dispaltro are eager to excite the crowds in the British capital.

Shooting

The first medal at London 2012 will awarded in shooting with Republic of Korea, Sweden and Great Britain expected to feature strongly throughout the eight days of competition.

Equestrian

Great Britain has been dominant recently inside the equestrian arena, though Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands will be pushing for the podium in London.

The IPC has chosen 50 top athletes to provide video blogs to the world during London 2012.

Five individuals, including Paralympians and coaches, will be inducted into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame on Thursday (30 August).

Table Tennis

Despite starting competition early on the day after the Opening Ceremony, table tennis player Mateja Pintar is eager to carry Slovenia’s flag.

Great Britain

IPC President Sir Philip Craven says: "All the ingredients are there for best Paralympic Games ever."

Musicians across UK will perform their own unique renditions of Viva la Vida at the same time before the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony.