Rio festival to mark one-year countdown to Paralympics

Rio de Janeiro's iconic Rodrigo de Freitas lake will stage an open air festival to celebrate the one-year countdown to the Paralympic Games, organizers said on Thursday.

The September 7 event will feature sporting, cultural and educational activities and will involve some of the world's top Paralympic athletes.

Rio 2016 executive director of communications Mario Andrada told Rio2016.com the aim of the festival was to provide an insight into "the rhythm and abilities of Paralympic athletes."

It will showcase Paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball, five-a-side football for the visually impaired and sitting volleyball. There will also be educational workshops for children.

In addition, the event will include a photography exhibition celebrating Paralympic athletes and a display of technological innovations that have helped improve quality of life for those with disabilities.