Celebrating Paralympic history: Paris 2024 and beyond.
Key points. First incarnation, the Stoke Mandeville Games were held in 1948 with wheelchair events in archery and javelin. The two newest sports to be given Paralympic status are badminton and taekwondo, which made their debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Paris 2024 Paralympic medals incorporate a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower, making them both symbolic and priceless. As the 2024 Paris Paralympics approach, set to captivate audiences from 28 August to 8 September, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of the Paralympic Games. From their humble beginnings as the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948, created to support injured war veterans, to the grand international spectacle they are today, the Paralympics have grown into a symbol of resilience, inclusion and excellence. The upcoming games in Paris promise not only thrilling athletic achievements but also a celebration of cultural heritage, with medals incorporating pieces of the Eiffel Tower. Today at Leap in! HQ we explore the history and evolution of this iconic sporting competition. First incarnation as the Stoke Mandeville Games. The Stoke Mandeville Games, held in 1948, marked the first widely introduced, organised sporting event for athletes with disability. Featuring wheelchair events in