PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
New London 2017 Managing Director named
Cherry Alexander brings a wealth of over 35 years sport experience to the role.
![Aerial view of Olympic Park](/sites/default/files/images/160223084101928_Rio%2Bpark%2Bshot.jpg)
New drone video takes viewers inside Barra Olympic Park, the heart of the Rio 2016 Games
Images show main venue cluster, which is almost complete and has been hosting test events since the end of last year
![Five ice sledge hockey players on the field during a game](/sites/default/files/images/150320194040842_IPC%2BIce%2BSledge%2BHockey%2BWorld%2BChampionships%2B2015%2BB-Pool_442.jpg)
Östersund to host ice sledge hockey Euros
The Östersund Arena will feature clashes between reigning champions Italy, Norway, Czech Republic, Russia, Germany and hosts Sweden.
![Wheelchair curlers in action](/sites/default/files/images/160223091831477_Norway%2Bwheelchair%2Bcurling.jpg)
Wheelchair Curling Worlds: Norway stays unbeaten
The Norwegians defeated 2015 Worlds runner-up China to go 3-0.
![A Chinese powerlifter celebrates winning gold in powerlifting at her home Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/151126165003030_Xiao.jpg)
Last chance for powerlifters to rank for Rio 2016
Nearly 200 athletes from 40 countries will take their last chance to move up the rankings for the upcoming Paralympic Games.
![A sledge hockey field of play with players](/sites/default/files/images/160223144121049_25119783701_0b893c2d1e_z_1.jpg)
Austria take opening game over Belgium/Netherlands
Jurgen Haindl was the star of the show at the C-Pool Worlds in Novi Sad, Serbia, scoring six goals.
![Momoka Muraoka](/sites/default/files/images/151028104647220_Momoka%2BMuraoka_getty.jpg)
Skiers set to compete for overall technical World Cups
A series of close races are expected as athletes look to overhaul slim margins in the points standings.
![Female cross country skier behind a male cross country skier with orange bib on a track](/sites/default/files/images/140627093509977_SOC_20140310_LP_0929_WEB.jpg)
Russia claim double cross-country relay World Cup win
Paralympic champions retain their form in the mixed and open event.
![Graphic with picture of woman and text](/sites/default/files/images/160218091209080_22%2BFeb%2B2016.jpg)
Music Monday: Italy’s Martina Caironi
The T42 sprinter and long jumper shares her favourite three songs.
![Seven coins with some Rio 2016-related designs](/sites/default/files/images/160222075042250_Rio%2Bcoins.jpg)
Mascots Vinicius and Tom star on final batch of Rio 2016 commemorative coins
Boxing, Paralympic swimming, athletics, cycling, rowing, beach volleyball and the Olympic torch are also celebrated on nine different designs, five for collectors.
![Anna-Carin Ahlquist](/sites/default/files/images/130919110224087_Anna-Carin%2BAhlquist%2B3.jpg)
Italy’s Kalem upsets at Lignano Master Open
The No. 9 Italian defeated No. 2 Nozdrunov for the men’s singles class 9 title.
![Wheelchair curler on the ice with team in the background](/sites/default/files/images/160222123657087_Wheelchair%2Bcurling%2BWorlds.jpg)
Wheelchair Curling Worlds: Russia open with victory
The defending world champions had a solid start in round-robin play.
![Man in green jersey in a racing wheelchair on a street](/sites/default/files/images/160222134834695_Bill%2BChaffey.jpg)
Chaffey cruises to victory at Oceania Championships
The defending men’s PT1 world champion was ahead of the field on his home course.
![Netherlands ice sledge hockey](/sites/default/files/images/121117182657563_16.jpg)
Ice sledge hockey teams arrive for C-Pool Worlds
The Championships, which form part of PyeongChang 2018’s Actualising the Dream project, will be a key development opportunity for teams.
![Martin Fleig of Germany competes at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/140617094706425_SOC_20140314_LP_0117_WEB.jpg)
Double podium for hosts Germany at biathlon World Cup
Wins for Russia, Ukraine and France during the sprint races on the opening day of competition in Finsterau.
![Man in canoe in triumphant pose](/sites/default/files/images/141205142729830_McGrath%2BCanoe_0.jpg)
Curtis McGrath aims to upset at Rio 2016
Australia’s para-canoeist anticipates hard-fought encounter against Austria’s Markus Swoboda at Rio 2016.
![Two women in jerseys smiling and raising her arms](/sites/default/files/images/160219155700675_Katie%2BKelly%2Btriathlon.jpg)
Katie Kelly carving a name as top para-triathlete
The Australian quickly adapted to the sport and is a Paralympic favourite in the women’s PT5 class.
![Ryley Batt](/sites/default/files/images/130807094901933_Ryley%2BBatt.jpg)
Australia confident in defending Paralympic title
The reigning Paralympic champions are not worried about their drop in the IWRF rankings.
![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)
200 days until the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: four test events to play crucial role in home straight
Biggest challenge for organisers will be transition period between the end of the Olympic Games and start of Paralympic Games say organisers.
![Raymond Martin of the United States wins the men's 1500m T52 final at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar](/sites/default/files/images/160218084222915_Raymond%2BMartin.jpg)
How I got into para-athletics: the USA’s Raymond Martin
The T52 Paralympic and world champion explains how he got into para-athletics.