Welsh Paralympians hope to maintain medal success at Rio

The 2016 Paralympics get underway tonight in Rio, with twenty-six Welsh athletes hoping to keep up a proud history of success for the ParalympicsGB squad.

At London 2012, Welsh athletes picked up a total of 16 medals, contributing towards 15 of the ParalympicsGB total.

Gold medals came from Tredegar-born paralympic-cyclist Mark Colbourne, in the Men's Individual C1 pursuit, Bridgend's Aled Sion Davies in the F42 Discus, and Josie Pearson, from Hay-on-Wye, in the F51 Discus.

Aled Sion Davies will be amongst those hoping to emulate the success of London 2012, alongside fellow athletes Hollie Arnold, Aaron Moores and a number of youngsters making their Paralympic debut.

Great Britain's Hollie Arnold during her women's javelin throw F46 at the London 2012 Paralympics Credit: PA

"We're very proud to have 26 Welsh athletes selected for the Paralympics," said Jon Morgan, executive director of Disability Sport Wales.

The Paralympics will kick off this evening at 9:30pm UK time, with an official opening ceremony live from the Maracana Stadium in Rio. The games will run until Sunday 18th September.