Find out about the history of the Paralympic movement, the work and life of Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann and the start of the Paralympic Games.

Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann CBE FRS

In September 1943 Dr Guttmann was asked if he would like to take charge of the Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville. He wanted to implement his own theories on how best to treat patients who had paraplegia. Rehabilitation through sport was his method and so out of this competitions were held. The competitions grew bigger and bigger into what we know now as the Paralympic Games. Read more about Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann and the start of the Paralympic Games.

The history of the Paralympic Movement