It has been another packed week of news across the Paralympic Movement. Here are the top six stories of the week:

Panasonic sign Paralympic Partnership agreement with IPC

Panasonic Corporation and the International Paralympic Committee announced on Wednesday (15 October) that it has signed an Official Worldwide Paralympic Partnership through to Tokyo 2020.

The signing ceremony was held in Toyko, Japan, and was attended by IPC President Sir Philip Craven and Panasonic Corporation Executive Officer Satoshi Takeyasu.

Sir Philip welcomed the worldwide partnership of Panasonic, stating: “Through this partnership with Panasonic I am confident we can consolidate this position and grow the Paralympic Movement to new levels as we build towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

- More information on the Panasonic agreement

Entry process launched for Glasgow 2015

IPC Swimming announced on Thursday (16 October) the launch of the entry process for the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain, where athletes can qualify directly for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The World Championships is expected to see more than 650 athletes from around 60 countries compete.

- More information on the Glasgow 2015 entry process

Alex Zanardi completes Ironman

Italy’s Alex Zanardi, competing in his first ever triathlon event at the 2014 Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, USA, finished 273 out of 2,187 competitors.

Using just the power of his arms, he completed the gruelling 226km course in an impressive 09:47:14. The London 2012 Paralympic champion finished the 3.8km swim in 01:08:43, before handcycling 180km in 06:07:51.

Finally, he finished the 42.195km marathon in 02:24:50 to write his name into Ironman folklore.

- More on Zanardi completing an Ironman

George and McFadden win Chicago Marathon

The USA’s Joshua George and Tatyana McFadden won the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 12 October.

The men’s event saw an unbelievable finish, with the top 11 racers separated by just two-tenths of a second, but it was George who claimed victory in 1:32:12.

McFadden didn’t have to endure such a nail-biting finish as she won in 1:44:50, but was still pushed hard by Switzerland’s Manuela Schaer who finished under a second behind.

- More on the Chicago Marathon

Amy Purdy reflects on Dancing with the Stars

After competing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, the USA’s para-snowboarder Amy Purdy was a contestant on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, a reality TV competition that draws 15 million viewers an episode – transforming her into a household name in the United States.

Now she is embarking on a nationwide speaking tour with Oprah Winfrey named ‘The Life You Want Weekend Tour’, which recognises extraordinary people.

“I’ve never could have imagined that this is what I’d be doing,” said Purdy.

“But I’m so grateful for the platform to share not just my message, but the message of a lot of other Paralympians.”

- More on Purdy reflecting on her experience

Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games to get underway

The Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games in South Korea will take place between 18-24 October, featuring athletes from 41 countries competing in 23 sports.

A number of the top stars from the Asian region have been interviewed about their expectations for Incheon 2014. They include Hong Kong’s Leung Yuk Wing (boccia), China’s Liu Jing (table tennis) and Na Mi (athletics), Japan’s Keiichi Kimura (swimming) and Mongolia’s Ganbataar Zandraa (shooting).