Spain’s and South Africa’s delegations announced

20.07.2016

A total of 114 Spanish and 45 South African athletes will compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Spanish Para-Table Tennis player Jose Manuel Ruiz © • Jose Manuel Ruiz

By NPC Spain and NPC South Africa

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“Go and represent your country to the very best of your ability and be the best ambassadors possible.”

Spain has named 114 athletes who will compete in 14 sports at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, whilst South Africa announced the 45 athletes who will take part in 10 sports.

All eyes will be on Spain’s six-time swimming Paralympic champion Teresa Perales, London 2012 cycling gold medallist Alfonso Cabello and on discus thrower David Casinos, who is hoping to add a second Paralympic gold to his tally.

Spain’s Sydney 2000 table tennis champion Alvaro Valera aims to win gold after 16 years, whilst his teammate and four-time Paralympic medallist Jose Manuel Ruiz will carry Spain’s flag at the Opening Ceremony.

“To parade at the Paralympic Games is unique, but to be Spain’s flagbearer is just indescribable,” said Ruiz.

South Africa will seek gold from Paralympic cycling champion Ernst van Dyk, who will compete at his seventh successive Games.

London 2012 swimming medallists Shireen Sapiro, Achmat Hassiem, Hendri Herbst and Kevin Paul also target further success in Rio.

Track and field athletes Anrune Liebenberg, Dyan Buis, Arnu Fourie, Hilton Langenhoven, Jonathan Ntutu, Union Sekailwe and Fanie Van der Merwe all medalled four years ago in London and are hoping to climb onto the podium again at September’s Paralympics.

Speaking to the athletes, South Africa’s National Paralympic Committee President Gideon Sam said: “We will once again be looking to this excellent blend of experience and youth to bring back more honour to South Africa.”

“Go and represent your country to the very best of your ability and be the best ambassadors possible.”

South Africa’s full delegation can be found online.

Spain’s full delegation is available on the Spanish Paralympic Committee’s website.

Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs)

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.

Visa International is the exclusive payment card and the official payment system for the Paralympic Games.