PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![A total of 17 athletes were identified during talent scouting events in Colombia](/sites/default/files/images/150405111650044_Colombia%2BGrant%2BSupport%2BProgramme.jpg)
#IDSDP2015: Colombia bounces back
Focusing in on the most vulnerable areas of Colombia where living with an impairment can present huge challenges, Colombia have identified new athletes to expand their para-sport team.
![Ellie Simmonds](/sites/default/files/images/120901231555223_Ellie.jpg)
Ellie Simmonds: My top five career moments
From qualifying for Durban 2006 to winning gold in front of home crowds at London 2012, Great Britain’s four-time Paralympic champion Simmonds has a lot to be proud of.
![Heinrich Popow with young talents at the one of the Talent Days](/sites/default/files/images/150401091404175_Phillip%2BJonasChristianHeinrich.jpg)
NPC Germany organises Talent Days for youngsters
The youth organisation of NPC Germany is looking to provide para-sport opportunities to youngsters with an impairment.
![Man in canoe in triumphant pose](/sites/default/files/images/141205142729830_McGrath%2BCanoe_0.jpg)
Australia's Curtis McGrath counts down to 2015 Para-canoe World Championship
The 2014 world champion in V1 paracanoe (TA), is looking to defend his title at this August's event in Milan, Italy.
![Man in wheelchair poses in front of a wallpaper](/sites/default/files/images/150317170750301_-media-1405859-Andrew-Mullen-1.jpg)
#100daystogo: Mullen urges home crowd support
Glasgow’s own Andrew Mullen on why fans should turn out for the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships from 13 July.
![A picture of a woman swimming](/sites/default/files/images/120511160041090_114908734.jpg)
#100daystogo: Simmonds ready to lay down marker
Great Britain’s Eleanor Simmonds on her preparations, rivals and home support ahead of the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain.
![China's Dong Lu won 100m backstroke S6 gold and both London 2012 and Montreal 2013.](/sites/default/files/images/150403190029955_Dong%2BLu.jpg)
#100daystogo: Best storylines for Glasgow 2015
The 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in 100 days’ time will feature 650 athletes from 50 countries for the most important competition ahead of Rio 2016.
![An S2 swimmer takes a breath during competition at London 2012.](/sites/default/files/images/150404130631908_Curtis%2BLovejoy%2BUSA.jpg)
US names Toronto 2015 swimming team
Twenty-member roster for the 2015 Parapan American Games taking place from 7-15 August includes five Paralympians.
![Maskim Sedakov](/sites/default/files/images/150402135119340_DSC_8128.jpg)
Sedakov aiming to dance his way onto the podium
Russia’s innovative singles Europeans silver medallist will use the upcoming Kazakhstan Open as a springboard to achieve his ultimate aim for 2015.
![Jens Syberg of Denmark makes a break during the Wheelchair Rugby Bronze medal match against Australia during day 2 of the Invictus Games](/sites/default/files/images/150401103615970_denmark.jpg)
New coach hopes to take Danes to Rio
Denmark are aiming for a top two finish at September’s IWRF European Championships in order to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
![Logo Comite Paralimpico de Portugal.](/sites/default/files/images/180522092639325_NPC%2BPortugal_.jpg)
NPC Portugal appoints Oliveira as Chef de Mission for Rio 2016
The Secretary General of NPC Portugal will lead the Portuguese team at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.
Deutsche Telekom extends partnership with NPC Germany
Telekom promotes more respect and recognition for athletes with an impairment
!["Social Participation, Fun and Empowerment" aims to get more people with an impairment active in Iran.](/sites/default/files/images/150331125950781_2.jpg)
Sport for All in Iran
"Social Participation, Fun and Empowerment" aims to get more people with an impairment active in Iran to enhance social integration.
![Great Britain enters the arena lead by flag bearer Millie Knight during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games](/sites/default/files/images/150401083337903_great%2Bbritain_0.jpg)
Sport England backs sport for people with an impairment
The English Federation of Disability Sport will benefit from over two million British pounds worth of funding over the next two years.
![The Belgium team celebrate after their victory during the Men's Group B Goalball match between Belgium and Canada at the London 2012 Paralympic Games](/sites/default/files/images/150331122228174_151000296_0.jpg)
Belgium aim for European goalball title to secure Rio 2016 berth
With Rio 2016 fast approaching the Belgium men’s goalball team have two chances to qualify this year.
![European Para Youth Games 2015 logo](/sites/default/files/images/150331093937246_logo_0.jpg)
Varazdin, Croatia, to stage the European Para Youth Games 2015 this July
The event between 16-19 July 2015 will feature competition in athletics, boccia, swimming, table tennis and sitting volleyball
![Picture collage](/sites/default/files/images/150402094111282_AoM%2BMarch%2B2015.jpg)
Vote now for the Allianz Athlete of the Month – March 2015
The public has until Thursday 9 April to vote for their favourite from the six candidates.
![Helene Ripa](/sites/default/files/images/140311180742687_ripa.jpg)
Ripa on Summer, Winter Paralympic Games experiences
An insight into the mind of the Swedish cross-country skiing Paralympic champion who had a former career as a swimmer.
![Mexico City logo square](/sites/default/files/images/150122174115221_Mexico%2BCity%2Blogo%2Bsquare.jpg)
Media accreditation for the 2015 IPC Powerlifting Americas Open Championships now open
Media are advised that accreditation is now open at www.paralympic.org/mexico-city-2015/media.
![A picture of a woman in the pool with her head and hands above the surface](/sites/default/files/images/130124154556239_151099210.jpg)
US team unveiled for swimming Worlds
A 25-strong contingent of Paralympians and new talent will compete at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain.