PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![Opened in January 2016, PyeongChang 2018 house is designed to promote the Games and highlight the environmentally friendly theme of PyeongChang 2018.](/sites/default/files/images/160105102015237_Opening%2Bof%2Bthe%2B2018%2BPyeongChang%2BHouse.jpg)
POCOG officially opens “2018 PyeongChang House”
The hospitality venue in Gangneung aims to promote the Games and highlight the environmentally friendly theme of PyeongChang 2018.
![Zak Madell](/sites/default/files/images/130807095238087_Zak%2BMadell.jpg)
Ones to watch for cycling and wheelchair rugby named
Find out which athletes are tipped to make a big impact in cycling and wheelchair rugby at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
![Zahra Nemati](/sites/default/files/images/130529114315131_151217424.jpg)
Ones to Watch for 2016 named for archery and wheelchair tennis
The IPC names six archers and eight wheelchair tennis players who it believes could make a huge impact on Paralympic sport in 2016.
![Pepo Puch](/sites/default/files/images/130822084632910_Pepo.jpg)
NPC Austria appoints Rio 2016 Chef de Mission
Walter Pfaller will head the Austrian delegation as his country look to build on the 13 medals they won at London 2012.
Greek Sports Press Awards recognise para-athletes
Stefanoudakis, Korokida and boccia pairs team recognised by the Panhellenic Association of Sports Press
![Female wheelchair tennis player in action on a blue court](/sites/default/files/images/121203113534829_108332258.jpg)
Kunieda and Griffioen named 2015 World Champions
For Japanese star Kunieda, a seventh world title makes him the most decorated player in men’s wheelchair tennis.
![Woman crossing a finish line, celebrating](/sites/default/files/images/150713162212278_Steadman.jpg)
British Triathlon confirms 2016 World Class para-triathlon squad
Fifteen athletes make up the squad ahead of the sport’s debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
![Joany Badenhorst on a snowboard at a snowboard-cross event.](/sites/default/files/images/140224113802915_Joany%2BBadenhorst%2BAustralia%2BSnowboard_0.jpg)
Bright future ahead for Australian snowboarders
Australian boarders are targeting podium finishes at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
![A picture of a man with one arm cycling during pursuit race.](/sites/default/files/images/130111114034892_LON_3108_4199.jpg)
US Paralympics Cycling National Team announced for 2016
The 2016 team features 27 athletes including one tandem pilot as Rio 2016 edges closer.
![Logo of International Golf Federation](/sites/default/files/images/151218142537909_IGF_RGB.jpg)
IGF becomes newest IPC recognised International Federation
The International Golf Federation have been recognised by the International Paralympic Committee and supported by the Paralympic Family.
![Vinicius and Tom, mascots for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150622121757680_Vincius%2Band%2BTom%2BRIO.jpg)
It’s showtime: Rio de Janeiro ready for a magical 2016
With 25 more test events, two torch relays and the Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver, 2016 will be a year to savour for Brazil.
![A picture of an athlete sit down throwing an object](/sites/default/files/images/120425092523746_142998523.jpg)
British athletics figures recognised with honours
Stephen Miller, Ian Mirfin and Janice Eaglesham all awarded MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II.
![Claudia Loesch competing in Vancouver](/sites/default/files/images/120116120302592_97901920_10.jpg)
Update on upcoming IPC Alpine Skiing races
A brief update on the status of a number of IPC Alpine Skiing races scheduled for January.
![A man seated holding papers in one hand and using his other hand to express his feelings whilst giving a talk.](/sites/default/files/images/150428140427653_11801a-2260.jpg)
IPC President's New Year Message
Sir Philip Craven looks ahead to 2016 and gives an insight into his expectations for the Rio 2016.
![The Olympic Tennis Centre hosted the first competition in Barra Olympic Park.](/sites/default/files/images/170202104925964_rio-olympic-park.jpg)
Barra Olympic Park, heart of the Rio 2016 Games, 95 per cent complete
New images of two main venue clusters illustrate strong construction progress after year in which test events began.
WADA chats with Tokyo 2020 Director of Sport about the spirit of sport
WADA caught up with the Director of Sport for Tokyo 2020 and got his thoughts on the importance of clean sport.
![Top 50 moments - No.1](/sites/default/files/images/151218124800775_1%2Blandscape_0.jpg)
No. 1: The IPC announces biggest ever broadcast and commercial agreements
Deal with NHK and Toyota underline the growth of interest in the Paralympic Movement ahead of Tokyo 2020.
![Two blindfolded men, one in a suit lying on a field of play, catching a ball](/sites/default/files/images/150909155611801_12002865_101_0.jpg)
How preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games entered the home straight in 2015
Venues built, test events staged, volunteers selected, torches unveiled, preconceptions challenged and much more... it’s been a busy 12 months for organisers of the Rio 2016 Games
![Daoliang Hu (L) of China celebrates winning gold against Anton Datsko (R) of Ukraine during the Men's Individual Foil Category B final of the Wheelchair Fencing on day 6 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.](/sites/default/files/images/150505131101702_151233846.jpg)
Ten things we learned in 2015: Wheelchair fencing
The year 2015 was action-packed for the world’s elite wheelchair fencers. Here are 10 things we learned about the sport over the past 12 months.