Read the latest positive news, breakthroughs, and inspiring stories about adaptive sports, curated daily by BrightWire.
After being told his rugby career was over at 16, Finlay O'Neill discovered wheelchair rugby league and is now defending England's World Cup title in Australia. His journey from devastated teenager to international athlete shows how one door closing can open another to unexpected greatness.
Japan's Shizuka Hangai captured her nation's first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games, capping a decade-long journey with a home victory in Para judo. Nearly 300 medals were awarded on opening day as athletes from across Asia celebrated achievements in nine sports.
The world's best Para powerlifters are gathering in Japan for the Asian Para Games, including an athlete who hasn't lost a competition in years. China's Lingling Guo leads a star-studded lineup of 13 Paralympic gold medalists competing across 23 medal events from October 19-24.
Grace Norman reclaimed Paralympic triathlon gold in Paris after nearly a decade of fierce competition with British rival Lauren Steadman. The US athlete who made history as the sport's first female Paralympic champion in Rio 2016 proved she's still at the top of her game.
Swiss wheelchair racer Catherine Debrunner just shattered her own world record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing a full minute faster than anyone in history. The fierce competitor crossed the finish line in 1:33:16, making history while the crowd roared.
Four-time Paralympic champion Amalia Perez returned to international competition after shoulder surgery, lifting 120kg to win gold on home soil in Mexico City. The championships saw record-breaking performances from athletes across the Americas preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
Police officers and volunteers stood outside Hawaii Walmart stores for six days, helping Special Olympics athletes raise nearly $48,000 for year-round sports programs. The 23rd annual "Badges and Buckets" fundraiser broke records thanks to generous community donations.
Britain's Paralympic fencing champions kicked off the European Championships on home soil with two bronze medals in a single day. The mixed team victories mark the first qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Italy rallied from a 4-2 deficit to beat Great Britain 11-4, advancing to face Cuba in the Blind Baseball International Cup championship. Both teams head to Saturday's final without a single loss in the tournament.
Amanda Borden, who captained the "Magnificent Seven" to Olympic gold in 1996, now runs two Arizona gyms where kids with autism and ADHD find acceptance and confidence. Her S.T.A.R. program gives every child a chance to soar.
Paralympic gold medalist Abdelkader Bouamer is stepping up a weight class as Algeria sends three para-judo athletes to the World Championships in Georgia. The competition marks a crucial step toward qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Over 300 Paralympic athletes from 26 nations gathered in Cali, Colombia, to close out the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix season with record-breaking performances and inspiring victories. Three-time Paralympic champion Sherman Guity led the charge with a sprint double, nearly matching his own world record.