Ones to watch on opening day of the Paralympic Games

Britain's Sarah Storey. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire

CYCLING (TRACK):

  • Thursday, Velodrome (09:30 -16:57)

British cycling trio Sarah Storey, Darren Kenny and Mark Colbourne compete today inside London's Velodrome.

Veteran Storey has a truly remarkable story, having already claimed 18 Paralympic medals - 16 of which she won as a swimmer before her switch from the pool to the bike ahead of Beijing 2008.

Storey, who was born with a deformed left hand, will compete from 10:28 in the women's individual C5 pursuit qualification. The 34-year-old won the C4 event four-years-ago and is taking part in her sixth Paralympic Games.

Briton Kenny is in medal contention today as he defends his men's individual C1-2-3 1km Time Trial title from 14:00.

The multiple world champion, who has restricted movement down his right side following a car crash at the age of 18, will compete alongside fellow Briton Rik Waddon.

Mark Colbourne will also make his Paralympic Games debut today.

SHOOTING:

  • Thursday, Royal Artillery Barracks (09:00 - 15:15)

58-year-old Di Coates will make history on Thursday when she competes in a British record-equalling eighth Paralympic Games.

ParalympicsGB's most experienced competitor, who has spina bifida, will be gunning for her fourth title in the women's R2 10m Air Rifle standing event from midday.

Shooter Di Coates. Credit: John Walton/EMPICS Sport

EQUESTRIAN:

  • Thursday, Greenwich Park (09:00 - 14:15)

Great Britain's equestrian dressage team will begin their quest to preserve one of the finest unbeaten records in British sport at Greenwich Park today.

Spearheaded by nine-time gold medallist Lee Pearson, the British quartet are firm favourites to capture a fifth successive Paralympic Games team title.

Pearson will be joined by double Beijing gold medallist Sophie Christiansen, three-time Athens gold medallist Deb Criddle and Paralympic debutant Sophie Wells.

Natasha Baker will ride as an individual and contest two golds that are up for grabs in her classification grade. She also rides in the team test, but her score will not count.

Nine-time Paralympic Games gold medallist Lee Pearson. Credit: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

JUDO:

  • Thursday, ExCeL Arena (16:10 - 18:10)

Ben Quilter, who is visually impaired, will be going for gold on the mat today, as he competes in judo's -60kg category.

As reigning world and European champion in the event, he could secure his first Paralympics medal after finishing 5th in Beijing four-years-ago.

Judo star Ben Quilter. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Archive

SWIMMING:

  • Thursday, Aquatics Centre (09:30 - 20:31)

ParalympicsGB's swimmers have a great chance of making sure the first day of the Games is a successful one.

Nyree Kindred will be keen to reclaim the S6 100m backstroke title she won in Athens eight-years-ago.

Also in action is Gemma Almond in the 200m individual medley's SM10 category, while Jon Fox will go for gold in the men's S7 100m backstroke.

Eleanor Simmonds (right) with Gemma Almond. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

SITTING VOLLEYBALL:

  • Thursday, ExCeL London (14:00)

Six years after losing both his legs to meningitis, 32-year-old Charlie Walker today makes his Paralympic bow for Great Britain.

ParalympicsGB compete against Russia in their preliminary pool A match 1.

Great Britain sitting volleyball player Charlie Walker. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL:

  • Thursday, Basketball Arena/North Greenwich Arena (13:00 - 19:00)

Both Great Britain's women's and men's wheelchair basketball teams compete in London today.

The women's side face the Netherlands (13:00), whilst the men's team play Germany in preliminary round matches (19:00).

Great Britain's Clare Strange. Credit: Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport

GOALBALL:

  • Thursday, Copper Box (09:00 - 18:30)

ParalympicsGB's men and women play their preliminary round matches in the goldball competition today against Lithuania (09:00) and China (18:30), respectively.

Great Britain goalball player Adam Knott. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Archive/Press Association Images