PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![A picture of a man in a wheelchair playing basketball.](/sites/default/files/images/120831005015672_151009663_0.jpg)
Australia racks up wins in wheelchair basketball
Both Australia’s men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball team’s proved why they’re some of the world’s best on Day 1 of competition
![A picture of a stadium](/sites/default/files/images/120504133339353_143671813.jpg)
Biggest Paralympics ever ready for spectacular start
Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Ian McKellen will guide the London 2012 Opening Ceremony at Olympic Stadium.
![Nigel Murray](/sites/default/files/images/120123120605119_114725136.jpg)
Boccia Preview
Boccia provides a true test of an athlete’s technique, nerve, and ability to perform under pressure
![A picture of a man swimming](/sites/default/files/images/170202104737482_Jonathan-Fox.jpg)
Swimming competition opens with 2 new world records
New Zealand’s Sophie Pascoe and Great Britain’s Jonathan Fox smashed world records in the pool to open the Paralympic Games.
![Ottobock in London](/sites/default/files/images/120823003137652_Ottobock%2B-%2BParalympic%2BWorkshop_HR2_0.jpg)
“Passion for the Paralympics” opened in Olympic Park
Open from 30 August to 9 September, the exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the Paralympic sport and competing athletes during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
![A picture of a woman swimming](/sites/default/files/images/120830222957616_Natalie%2BDu%2BToit_0.jpg)
Du Toit steals the show on record breaking day
South African swimmer claims 11th gold medal on memorable day
![Lee Pearson](/sites/default/files/images/120830222634083_Lee%2BPearson_0.jpg)
Pearson leads the way after equestrian opener
Briton’s bid for more gold medals makes promising start.
![A picture in a wheelchair celebrating a victory](/sites/default/files/images/120608161646576_82835992_0.jpg)
United Nations supports the Paralympic Games
For the United Nations, the efforts of the Paralympics are of huge importance in promoting the inclusion and acceptance of diversity.
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Football 7-a-side preview
Ukraine will try to claim a third consecutive gold medal in London but they will be aware of other teams that could take their Paralympic title.
![Nazmiye Muslu](/sites/default/files/images/120713162710628_nazmiye%2Bmuslu.jpg)
Records smashed on tremendous first day of powerlifting
Yakubu Adesokan and Nazmiye Muslu set new world records
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Rowing Preview
Tom Aggar heads the field going for glory at Eton Dorney.
![Goalball](/sites/default/files/images/120830225904258_Goalball_0.jpg)
Hosts Great Britain thrashed in opening goalball fixture
Prince William watches as Lithuania romp to 11-1 win.
![Beijing 2008](/sites/default/files/images/120123104747732_82810374_10.jpg)
Kendra Lancaster: Time to soak up the atmosphere
The Paralympics do not come around every day, so be sure to take it all in says USA's Kendra Lancaster.
![USA team with flag](/sites/default/files/images/120828140853986_USA%2BFlag_0.jpg)
List of Opening Ceremony flag bearers
Here is a list of who will be carrying the flags for the 166 countries marching at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.
![Oscar Pistorius and Jonnie Peacock](/sites/default/files/images/120315162537546_Pistorius%2Band%2BPeacock_0.jpg)
5 events not to be missed
With 503 medal events on the London 2012 programme book-ended by the Opening and Closing Ceremony, here are five events we believe could dazzle you.
![German Athletes at 2012 Opening Ceremony](/sites/default/files/images/120829232614723_150945650_0.jpg)
Opening Ceremony delivers stunning reminder of human potential
A capacity crowd of 80,000 were captivated by stunning show at the Olympic Stadium.
![Team Iran Sitting Volleyballl celebrating](/sites/default/files/images/120201095813263_BEI_2037.jpg)
Sitting volleyball preview
In the men’s competition, Iran and Bosnia will battle it out, while China and USA will battle on the women’s side.
![Opening Ceremony Fireworks](/sites/default/files/images/120830030830016_15_1.jpg)
Biggest Paralympics launch in spectacular style
Professor Stephen Hawking and Sir Ian McKellen feature in the London 2012 Opening Ceremony at Olympic Stadium.
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Goalball preview
The fast paced and aggressive nature of Goalball always makes it a fans favourite and it will be looking to sparkle in the Copper Box once more.