London 2012 set a new benchmark for future Paralympic Games, with unprecedented viewing figures bringing a new light to disability sport.

Sochi's 2014 continued the success of the Paralympic Movement and Sir Phillip is full of confidence that Rio 2016 will continue the momentum generated in recent years.

"Rio 2016 will be South America's first Paralympic Games opening up a whole new continent to the power of the Paralympic spirit and Paralympic sport," he said.

"I believe the Games can be transformational not just for Rio and Brazil, but the whole of the Americas and the Paralympic Movement.

"The next two years are huge for the growth of the Paralympic Movement in the Americas as we have two major multi-sport events taking place - the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and Rio 2016.

"With the breakthrough we have achieved in broadcasting in the United States, combined with growing awareness elsewhere, I am confident they will be a huge success, building on the platform laid by London 2012 and Sochi 2014.

"Of course the Games in Rio will be very different to London.

"No two Games are ever the same.

"However, I expect the colourful and vibrant atmosphere created by the Carioca to lift the Para-athletes to new levels.

"This will help generate worldwide news and help shift attitudes and perceptions of people with an impairment.

"The millions of spectators who attend the Games in Rio will be inspired and excited not just by the stunning beauty of Rio, but also the amazing abilities of every single Para-athlete that takes part."

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are expected to be the biggest yet with around 4,350 athletes from more than 160 countries competing across 22 sports ©Getty Images



The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are due take place between September 7 and 16, 2016 and to mark two years to go mark the occasion the city will celebrate Paralympic sport in style at one of its most beautiful locations.

From 8am to 11am Brasília Time today, stars of the Brazilian men's sitting volleyball and goalball teams will take part in a series of games at Flamengo Park, scheduled to stage the cycling and marathon events during the Paralympic Games.

They are joined by members of Brazilian volleyball's seminal "Silver Generation", who won the country's first Olympic medal in the sport, a silver at Los Angeles in 1984. 

The Olympic heroes will participate in a new experiment, playing with the Brazilian sitting volleyball team, who were runners-up at this year's World Championship, in a sitting match.

About 4,350 athletes from more than 160 countries are expected to compete in Rio in what will be the biggest Paralympic Games to date featuring 526 medal events across 22 sports.

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