Paris 2024 Paralympics flame lighting at Stoke Mandeville

Did you know? … the county of Buckinghamshire is not just the home of the Spinal Injuries Association but it’s also the birthplace of the Paralympic Games.

As you drive across the border the signs will welcome you with this knowledge and as you get closer to Stoke Mandeville near Aylesbury the history really comes to life.

It all started at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the 1940’s when a German based neurologist called Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann started supporting patients with their rehabilitation following WWII. He discovered that sport and activity could help them both physically and mentally during this time, and wanted to host a sports event on the lawns of the hospital to coincide with the London Olympics. 16 servicemen and women enjoyed a game of archery in the Summer of 1948 and from here the Stoke Mandeville Games were born. The event grew year on year, they started inviting international participants, and in 1960 it became known as the Paralympic Games.

This amazing history continues to be celebrated at Stoke Mandeville and every two years a heritage flame is now lit before the Paralympic Games take place, here at the spiritual home before being transferred to the host country.

On 24 August myself and Mark Ridler (Director of Programmes) attended the flame lighting ceremony for Paris at Stoke Mandeville. The event brought together over 200 invited guests, retired athletes and dignitaries from the Paris 2024 organisers, the International Paralympic committee and ParalympicsGB.

In the sports hall we were welcomed by some French canapes, signed the visitor book and spoke with a number of the guests. In the centre of the hall were five cauldrons from previous events, and a number of torches for photo opportunities. The National Paralympic Heritage Trust also had a fascinating stand showcasing the history of the Games from 1948 to the modern day.

The guests then moved outside for the official ceremony, with umbrellas and ponchos a must. Unfortunately, the British weather wasn’t kind but that didn’t dampen the energy of the crowd as we listened to speeches from Andrew Parsons (Head of the IPC) Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Nick Webborn CBE (chair of Paralympics GB). The latter said:

“We will celebrate rightly the achievements of our paralympic athletes but we also need to use the opportunity to challenge all nations in their role to improve the lives of disabled people.”

In 1981, whilst playing rugby for the RAF Nick sustained a spinal cord injury. He spent eight months at Stoke Mandeville, the first three of those flat on his back, before being transferred to the Defence Military Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) in Surrey. He later returned to the RAF until his discharge in 1985 and has since had a number of roles in sport, becoming chair of the ParalympicsGB in 2021. Read more

The Paralympic flame was lit by two British athletes, Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan before it goes on its journey to the French capital via the Channel Tunnel. The subsequent relays of torch bearers will converge in Paris on 28 August, where the Paralympic cauldron will be lit at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

“The Paralympic flame bright and true, spreading hope and joy to me and you.

From Stoke Mandeville’s spark, to Paris’ grand stage the flame of hope travels through time and age.

Let the games commence with honour and pride, may every athlete’s spirit be their guide.

So let’s celebrate Buckinghamshire place, where courage and kindness first met with grace.

In every games, in every smile so sweet, lives the Paralympic spirit that will never defeat.”

A short excerpt of a poem by Dave Steel (the blind poet)

We were delighted to be able to represent SIA at this event and celebrate the history of Stoke Mandeville with friends, fellow charities and sporting organisations. We look forward to watching the athletes in Paris over the next 11 days and will be cheering them on as they showcase the very best of humanity on the world stage.

Written by Matthew French (Communications Officer)  

Photo credits: #1 © WheelPower / Stoke Mandeville Archives, #3 ©ParalympicsGB

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