The new concept, devised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), ParalympicsGB, and WheelPower, aims to increase global awareness of the role Stoke Mandeville and Sir Ludwig Guttmann played in the birth and development of the Paralympic Movement.

Stoke Mandeville, which recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games (the precursor to the Paralympic Games), marked the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay. Since the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games onwards, Stoke Mandeville has hosted a Heritage Flame Lighting event for each Games, which has contributed towards the Paralympic Flame created in the host country of the Games.

But now, in the same way that the Olympic Flame is kindled in Olympia, Greece, the plan is for the Paralympic Flame to be created in Stoke Mandeville, marking the start of the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The Paralympic Movement owes Stoke Mandeville and Sir Ludwig Guttmann a huge debt of gratitude. What started out as a small-scale sport event in 1948 at the back of a rehabilitation hospital for 16 injured war veterans has now become the world’s third biggest sport event. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, 4,350 exceptional athletes from 180 countries will compete in 22 sports, while a cumulative audience of 4.1 billion will watch on TV.

“Through his pioneering techniques, Sir Ludwig changed the world with sport. Today, the Paralympic Games is a spectacular sport event and the only global event of impact that puts persons with disabilities front and centre. The transformational legacies the Games also leave in the host country and globally are also truly impressive and act as a catalyst to a more inclusive world for all."

Dave Clarke OBE, CEO of ParalympicsGB, said: “Great Britain is immensely proud to be the birthplace of Paralympic sport and starting the flame’s journey at Stoke Mandeville is fitting recognition of its role as the catalyst for what has grown to be such a powerful global sporting movement. At ParalympicsGB we work tirelessly to continue to be at the forefront of the evolution of disability sport, as we know that the performances of Paralympic athletes and the positive role models such performances create is one of the best ways of challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers faced by all disabled people.

“ParalympicsGB remains relentlessly focused on ensuring that participation in sport is open to everyone. We believe there is still far more we and wider society can do to improve access to inclusive sporting opportunities so more disabled people can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of taking part, to build on the visionary work Ludwig Guttman began at Stoke Mandeville Hospital 75 years ago.”

Martin McElhatton OBE, Chief Executive of WheelPower, said: “It is wonderful that the role Sir Ludwig and Stoke Mandeville played in igniting the Paralympic Movement will be part of all future Paralympic Games Torch Relays. At WheelPower, we continue to use the power of the Paralympics to inspire and encourage disabled people to move more, be active and play sport. We are proud that together with others here in Buckinghamshire and the UK we celebrate the heritage of the Paralympics and the place where it all started in 1948.”

Image: The Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948 - the forerunner for the Paralympics. ©WheelPower © Buckinghamshire Archives and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation