The story of the history of the Paralympics is a fascinating insight into how ordinary people have come together to share an extraordinary journey, you can read some of their stories below.
We want to work with individuals and communities to explore their own part in the story. If you, or someone you know have competed, supported, volunteered, provided accommodation, fundraised etc. then share your story with us by uploading text and images here, or by contacting us at [email protected]
Every child born on 20th December 2004 - the date 20/12 during the Olympics bid - was eligible to be involved in the Children's Promise programme. Daniel Bleasdale, a local boy from Aylesbury, was chosen to be part of this exciting opportunity. Read more
Dad refereed at the 1956 and 1957 Stoke Mandeville Games helping to develop the refereeing for wheelchair basketball. Read more
New biography of Paralympic founder, Ludwig Guttmann, written by children’s book author, Lori Alexander Read more
Author of 'Look up, stretch your wings, and fly' Brendan Gately shares extracts from his book about his groups experience of supporting TeamGB at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and London 2012 Paralympic Games. Read more
Momoho Yamada who had cerebral palsy, made paper crane garlands to give to the athletes at the Tokyo 1964 Paralympic Games as a symbol of 'good luck'. Read more
I grew up in Aylesbury. We didn’t have a car, so rarely travelled far, but every summer it seemed as though the world came to us. My mum used to take us to see The Wheelchair Games at Stoke Mandeville. Read more
After my accident I joined a disabled sports club in Hull run by Wendy Watson. It gave him great hope and a purpose. So I started to train, I gained medals at regional, then national. Read more
Dr Mary Verghese specialised in the rehabilitation of patients in Vellore, India, visiting Dr Guttmann at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville in the 1960s. Read more
Peter Finbow, from Bradford, won bronze medals at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens and also in Beijing in 2008. He was part of the GB Wheelchair Basketball Team at the 2012 Paralympics in London. Read more
Stuart is a Bingley based, Bradford born para triathlete. He is the current UK Para Triathlon Category 3 Champion and won his title at the first attempt. Read more
David Stone, a multiple medallist at the summer Paralympic Games, first competed in the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney. He has since competed in the Beijing, London and Rio Games, winning three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Read more
I was ‘discovered’ by Wilf Paish in 1988 who was the Coach to Daley Thompson and Tessa Sanderson. I was Marie Ratcliff then. This is my recollection of my all too brief athletics antics. Read more