Visit Us Events and exhibitions National Paralympic Heritage Centre Visitor information Update: Thursday 1st October 2020 We hope to reopen the National Paralympic Heritage Centre for some pre-booked tours in the coming months once we are confident it is safe for both visitors, volunteers and staff. We will keep you posted on our website and through social media. In the meantime please visit from the comfort of your home through our virtual tour below. Using 3D technology, you can ‘walkthrough’ exhibition spaces and zoom in on specific artefacts or artwork. You can access video, British Sign Language, text caption and audio-description options at points of interest. For group and school tours we are able to offer bookings for realtime virtual guided tours and talks, please contact us for more information at [email protected] About the National Paralympic Heritage Centre Stoke Mandeville is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement and the National Paralympic Heritage Centre at Stoke Mandeville Stadium celebrates and explores this unique history. The displays showcase the determination, sportsmanship and vision that gave the world the Paralympic Games including: The life and work of Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann. Key milestones in the journey from the 1948 Stoke Mandeville Games to the present day Paralympic Games. The development of wheelchair sports. Paralympic ceremonies. Virtual Tour Video Tour Vicky Hope Walker, CEO of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust, takes us for a 20 minute video tour of the Paralympic Heritage Centre showing her favourite items. The tour includes British Sign Language by interpreter Marie Biswell. The National Paralympic Heritage Trust's exhibition at the National Spinal Injuries Centre In collaboration with Buckinghamshire NHS Trust, we are excited about this upcoming exhibition at the National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Stoke Mandeville Hospital is a busy local hospital caring for patients from Aylesbury and its surroundings. However, it is known internationally for its acclaimed National Spinal Injuries Centre. Established by neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1944 to treat servicemen who had sustained spinal cord injuries in World War II, the National Spinal Injuries Centre is the oldest and one of the largest in the world. It is also recognised globally as the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. Bringing together rare historic exhibits and photographs, and personal recollections of both staff and patients, this exhibition tells the story of the National Spinal Injuries Centre. From the life-changing advances in treatment developed by the tireless research of medical staff, to the inspirational tales of patients. It will give you a unique insight into the remarkable history of the most famous spinal injuries centre in the world. Video Tour Vicky Hope Walker, CEO of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust, takes us for an introductory 15 minute video tour of the National Spinal Injuries Centre. The tour includes British Sign Language by interpreter Marie Biswell. We apologise for the sound quality, the filming was produced in the busy working environment of the hospital. A virtual tour will be available in the Autumn. Paralympic Heritage Trail For families and children this trail is a great way to explore Stoke Mandeville Stadium and find out more about the Paralympic Movement. Download a pdf here or if you need an alternative version please contact us at [email protected] Widgit Tour The Widgit tour has been developed to use alongside either the virtual or video tours above. Click here to view the full Widgit tour or download as a pdf. Please contact us if you require an alternative format. AccessibilityGetting to, and visiting the Heritage Centre Upcoming events Audio-described tours 10:00 & 14:00 Join us for an audio described tour of the National Paralympic Heritage Centre. BSL tours 10:00 & 14:00 Join us for a BSL tour of the National Paralympic Heritage Centre, with interpreter Marie Biswell. Group tours We welcome groups locally, from across the UK and Internationally. For more information or to arrange a visit, go to our group tour webpage. Family fun activities Take a look at our half term Storytime and Sharing our Treasure videos. Resources to use at home to develop an understanding about disability whilst learning about the Heritage of the Paralympics. Meet the Paralympian Come along to meet a Paralympic athlete and find out what it's like to compete at an elite level. Friday 13th November School sessions 45 minute sessions for schools available for KS 2-4. Subjects catered for: STEM, English, PSHE, Citizenship, Art and Design and other cross-curricular activities. Latest stories in our mini exhibition display 2012 Children's Promise Highlights from 2019 Celebrating the opening On Friday 29th March 2019, we were delighted to celebrate the opening of the Paralympic Heritage Centre, here at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. Read more Welcoming visitors We have been delighted to welcome a diverse range of groups to the Paralympic Heritage Centre this year who have visited as part of a tour or attended one of our special event days. Read more Feedback from a Group Tour of the Paralympic Heritage Centre Share your stories Please get in touch if you have any stories connected to the Paralympics and disability sport. You can contact us at [email protected] Follow us on twitter and facebook using #paraheritagestories Partners The National Paralympic Heritage Trust is supported by the British Paralympic Association, WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport, Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council, with grant aid from: