The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has published the Social and Digital Media Guidelines for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in which it encourages athletes, staff, broadcasters, sponsors and attendees to embrace social media.

The guidelines can be downloaded here: www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/guides-and-policies

“We want to enable everyone to share their experiences with their friends, family and supporters. By working together, we can have a greater impact,” said Craig Spence, the IPC’s Director of Media and Communications. “The buzz from social media will help to fill stadia with spectators, increase TV audiences, and raise awareness about the Paralympic Games.”

In 2012 #paralympics was the top trending sport event on Twitter in the UK, showing that social media has the potential to engage new audiences and broaden the reach and appeal of the Games and the Paralympic Movement.

During the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the IPC’s official Facebook attracted over 82 million page views, 10 million videos were viewed via YouTube.com/Paralympics, and there were over 1.5 million “Paralympic” tweets.

“With the Brazilian Paralympic team aiming for a top five finish, we are expecting the home crowds to be energised once again with the excitement of the Games, hopefully causing a huge buzz on social media,” said Spence

Athletes will once again be central to the IPC’s social media strategy, allowing fans to engage directly with them via Q&As and giving a unique behind-the-scenes insight into their lives with exclusive content.

Athletes will be encouraged to share their experiences via photos, videos and postings from the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Paralympic Village and other venues in and around Rio.

“Everyone can play a part in spreading the message of inclusion that the Paralympic Games brings,” said Spence.

“Many Paralympians are already active on social media, and with these guidelines we’d like to enable them to engage with fans, build up a following and develop their personal brand.

“At the same time, the guidelines aim to protect our broadcast and sponsorship partnerships, and maintain the integrity of the Games.”

For the upcoming Paralympic Games, National Paralympic Committees, International Paralympic Sport Federations and the Rio 2016 Organising Committee may also publish their own social media guidelines, so long as they operate within the framework set by the IPC guidelines.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from 7-18 September, attracting 4,350 athletes from 176 countries competing for 528 medals in 22 sports

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.