PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Paralympian Terezinha Guilhermina of Brazil runs with Usain Bolt of Jamaica as her guide during an exhibition in preparation for the Mano a Mano Athletics Challenge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2011, she was elected to the APC Executive Committee at the Guadalajara Parapan American Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150430103753597_470211928_0.jpg)
Terezinha Guilhermina – ‘How I got into Para athletics’
She trained with Usain Bolt last year, but how did the Brazilian T11 sprinter get into the sport she has dominated in recent years?
![Rio 2016 preview: Men’s up to 59kg](/sites/default/files/images/160819132330367_Powerlifting%2Bmen%2Bup%2Bto%2B59.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: Men’s up to 59kg
Is anyone stronger than Egyptian Sherif Osman in this class?
![Goalball China X Iran - London 2012](/sites/default/files/images/120903102622908_Goalball_150997931.jpg)
Host cities for major goalball events revealed
Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, will host the 2017 African Championships, whilst the 2017 European Championships, Group C, will take place in Ciorescu, Moldova.
![Yunidis Castillo eyes further glory - #TeamAgitos - on the Road to Rio](/sites/default/files/styles/video_crop_16_9/public/oembed_thumbnails/czGDlQ5wakAolKXwa2kn0Uj96GK-LbrU1P717811qxc.jpg?itok=Zws90Bcn)
Castillo eyes further glory, thanks Agitos Foundation
Cuba’s multiple-Paralympic champion explains how the accident she had at 10 years old gave her the necessary strength to become who she is today.
![Aerial view of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio, Brazil, which will host rowing and canoe events during the 2016 Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150905132330226_GettyImages-483164258.jpg)
Rio 2016 Paralympic Games to deliver positive societal change
The IPC provided a progress report on preparations for next month’s event.
Hiroaki Kozai ready to upset podium expectations
The Japanese wheelchair basketball player has seen his team improve over the years and believes they can win their first Paralympic medal.
![Man in wheelchair with a foil smiling to the camera](/sites/default/files/images/151210141629383_Piers%2BGilliver.jpg)
Gilliver keeps Paralympic dream alive
After a lack of funding nearly ended Piers Gilliver’s Rio 2016 dreams, his first Games will be even more special.
Jose Effron aims high for Rio 2016
Argentina´s London 2012 judo silver medallist is hoping to reach the Paralympic podium once again, this September.
![Sir Philip Craven](/sites/default/files/images/160531064953039_Sir%2BPhilip.jpg)
The IPC President's statement regarding Rio 2016 budget cuts for the Paralympic Games
Read Sir Philip Craven's full speech from Friday 19 August regarding Rio 2016.
![Agitos](/sites/default/files/images/160816074328431_IPC%2BLogo%2B16-9.jpg)
Date changed on CAS hearing regarding Russian Paralympic Committee appeal of suspension
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear the appeal on Monday, 22 August.
![A spectacular view of with Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.](/sites/default/files/images/140907085400659_187753735_0.jpg)
NBC reveals commentators for Rio 2016 Paralympics
Familiar US sports broadcasters will be joined by Paralympians for NBC’s coverage of the Paralympics.
![Rio 2016 preview: women’s up to 50kg](/sites/default/files/images/160819130404769_Powerlifting%2Bwomen%2Bup%2Bto%2B50.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: women’s up to 50kg
Ukraine’s Lidiia Soloviova and China’s Shanshan Shi may be battling for the gold.
![Rio 2016 preview: R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2)](/sites/default/files/images/160819132257944_Shooting%2BR4.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: R4 (mixed 10m air rifle standing SH2)
Shooting veteran Michael Johnson is no stranger to the big stage, but he will face stiff competition.
France’s Houdet focused ahead of Rio 2016
Stephane Houdet, the current men’s single No. 1, does not want to get lost in all the Paralympic hype.
Canada, Guatemala name athletics squads
Canada will send 24 athletes to Rio 2016, and Guatemala will be sending one.
![Patricia Valle](/sites/default/files/images/120201153518555_82801534.jpg)
Valle dreams of winning Rio 2016 gold
Mexico´s four-time swimming Paralympic champion aims to win a medal at a fifth successive Paralympic Games, this September.
![Rio 2016 preview: men’s up to 54kg](/sites/default/files/images/160818160443525_Powerlifting%2Bmen%2Bup%2Bto%2B54.jpg)
Rio 2016 preview: men’s up to 54kg
A new champion will be crowned at Rio 2016 and the competition is wide open.
![Two wheelchair racers on the track after their race](/sites/default/files/images/160614174316271_DSC_5267.jpg)
Belgian Genyn feels ready for Paralympic gold
After swapping wheelchair rugby for wheelchair racing, the T51 racer is hoping to add Paralympic gold to his world and European titles.
![Yu Hong SHENG - Sitting Volleyball - London 2012 Paralympic Games](/sites/default/files/images/140729132455530_120831_164816_mh2_7397_0.jpg)
Early loss gives Chinese sitting volleyball time to improve
The reigning Paralympic and world champions are learning from their loss to rivals the USA back in March.
Kazakhstani Para athletes make most of training in USA
In preparations for Rio 2016, Kazakhstan got to train in the same sports facilities as US Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Colorado.