PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
![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.
Archery Preview
With 140 athletes competing at the Royal Artillery Barracks, look out for Great Britain in the individual events and China and South Korea in the team events.
![A picture of a stadium](/sites/default/files/images/120504133339353_143671813.jpg)
IPC to Provide Groundbreaking Athletes Feedback During Opening Ceremony
Paralympics Opening Ceremony in London will include content from competing Athletes for first time
![Dutch Trio women's 100m T43/44](/sites/default/files/images/120626162501318_120626_152504_7927_cr.jpg)
5 breakthrough stars
With 4,280 athletes competing in London, we’ve chosen a select five who head into the Paralympics already having breakout years.
![Naomi Soazo](/sites/default/files/images/120119150131302_82715753.jpg)
Judo preview
Russia, Azerbaijan and Great Britain will all be chasing China in 13 judo events.
![April Holmes](/sites/default/files/images/111223154107751_82809293.jpg)
April Holmes: One step closer
Take a moment to think about where you came from to get to the world’s stage.
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Wheelchair Tennis Preview
In London, Dutch sensation Esther Vergeer will try to keep her unbeaten streak of 440 matches alive as she goes for her four consecutive Paralympic singles gold.
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David Eng: Time to get the Games started
London 2012 has come around faster than expected, but it is time to show the world what we all can do.
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Athletics preview
With some of the biggest names in Paralympic sport competing in 170 medal events, athletes on the track and field are expected to light up Olympic Stadium.
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Table tennis preview
Table tennis is likely to be one of the most hotly contested sports at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with hundreds of athletes participating over 10 days of enthralling action.
![Eleanor Simmonds performing](/sites/default/files/images/120118110100852_Eleanor%2BSimmonds.jpg)
Swimming Preview
As the second biggest sport on the London 2012 programme, swimmers such as Australia’s Matt Cowdrey, Brazil’s Daniel Dias and Great Britain’s own Ellie Simmonds should steal the headlines.
![A picture of a man in a wheelchair signing a wall](/sites/default/files/images/120828160820093_1JK_4743_0.jpg)
Paralympic Wall unveiled in Athletes Village
Sir Philip Craven hails "extraordinary strides in helping to change the world's perception of people with an impairment".
![Jiri Jezek](/sites/default/files/images/120124143258321_82715092.jpg)
Cycling Preview
Great Britain aiming to continue their dominance with USA and Australia looking to take home medals.
![A picture of two person holding a torch](/sites/default/files/images/120828232015217_150876270_0.jpg)
Paralympic Flame created in Stoke Mandeville
The London 2012 Paralympic Flame was created at Stoke Mandeville Stadium with a legendary lineup that included IPC President Sir Philip Craven.
![A general picture of a building](/sites/default/files/images/120807180702762_SMS%2BFront%2BFile.jpg)
Paralympic flame to launch at spiritual home
Stoke Mandeville hosts the start of flame’s journey to Olympic Stadium
![Olympic Park for London 2012 Paralympic Games](/sites/default/files/images/120828113604898_Park_0.jpg)
London 2012 Paralympics to be broadcast to largest audience
Rights Holding Broadcasters include America, Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland and Iran.
![A picture of several person posing together](/sites/default/files/images/120515143145674_AE4Q0035.jpg)
Paralympians from Yesteryear to be First Torchbearers
The Five Paralympians of the Torch Relay competed in one of the first four Paralympic Games.
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Wheelchair Basketball preview
With a lot of up-and-coming talent, several teams will look to knock off defending Paralympic champions Australia on the men’s side and USA on the women’s side.
![Michael Johnson and Duane Kale at the Olympic Park](/sites/default/files/images/120828133318608_Michael%2BJohnson_0.jpg)
Michael Johnson named flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony
New Zealand’s first shooting world champion was announced at the Team’s official Welcome Ceremony, held at New Zealand House.