Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Athletes with physical disabilities celebrated the opening of 2016 Paralympics with inspiring performances, an extreme wheelchair speeding down a ramp to somersault in the air, while others joined a samba circle. Delegations entered the stadium carrying puzzle pieces. Together, 1,600 pieces assembled to represent a human heart in celebration of the theme. “The heart knows no limits. Everybody has a heart.”

[Source: theglobeandmail.com]

The president of the IOC, Philip Craven, who lost use of his legs due to a fall, likened the challenges overcome by paralympians to recent economic challenges facing Brazilians. Craven said, "In a country which has faced major challenges of late, Paralympians will switch your focus from perceived limitations — to a world full of possibility and endless opportunity." 

Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Clodoaldo Silva lit the Paralympic cauldron after overcoming many steps, which transformed into ramps. An enthusiastic crowd embraced the notion of life without limits. 

Visit USParalympics.org/Rio2016 for more information on Team USA at the Paralympic Games, including athlete bios, schedule and live streaming. Follow the U.S. Paralympic team on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

[Sources: USParalympics.org, AP Wire]

Largest Paralympic Team to Compete for USA in Rio

During the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the USA will be represented by 289-members. This is the largest US Paralympic team and includes 35 military veterans and active duty, guides and pilots for the visually impaired. Athletes will compete for medals in 20 sports; three athletes will compete in 2 sports. 

New spots were allocated by the IPC following suspension of Russia's paralympic team. According to U.S.Paralympics, "The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be the largest edition of the Games yet, with an estimated 4,350 participating athletes. Athletes from more than 176 countries will compete in 528 medal events in Rio." [Source]

How may you view the Games?

NBC Olympics will combine to present more than 70 hours of coverage of the Rio Paralympic Games across NBC, NBCSN, and the NBC Sports app beginning on Wed., September 7 and ending on September 18. On most days, NBCSN primetime programming will air from 7 – 9 p.m. ET; daytime from 2 – 5 p.m. ET; and late night from 1 – 5 a.m. ET.

In addition, the USOC will provide live online coverage at TeamUSA.org.

2016 USA BMW Performance Team

BMW of North America has supported Team USA and US Paralympic Team for six years.  BMW engineers designed a state-of-the-art performance racing wheelchair, which will debut during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio in September.

According to designers, "the racing wheelchair's advancements will include a complete redesign of the chassis, application of BMW's signature aerodynamic efficiencies, enhanced athlete restraint, carbon fiber durability, as well as steering and braking advancements."

[Source: adweek.com]

Video BMW Performance Wheelchair (1:01)













More information

Funding cuts affect Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

As the Summer 2016 Games come to a close tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming elite athletes with disabilities to the 2016 Paralympics beginning on September 7, 2016. Unfortunately, funding cuts will affect the Paralympic Games.  

Advance tickets sales failed to reach projection.  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) made a difficult decision to close media centers, reduce Games workforce and transport services.  Deorodo Olympic Park will be closed and dismantled. 

Source: foundtheworld.com

"Never before in the 56-year history of the Paralympic Games have we faced circumstances like this," IPC President Philip Craven said. "Since becoming aware of the full scale of the problem, we have focused all of our efforts on finding solutions to the problems." Budget cuts will affect every team and their supporters. 

In response, Rio mayor Eduardo Paes pledged additional funding and will solicit corporate sponsorship in support of the Games. Travel grants to teams from 165 countries are overdue and may affect athletes timely arrival for training before competition. 

IPC is considering additional support to countries struggling to pay travel costs.  Craven said. "The IPC is working with them to find solutions and ensure their participation here in Rio." 

Source: www.theatlantic.com

Story source: AP Wire and Rob Harris at WacoTrib.com