Celebration opening on Friday 29th March 2019

The National Paralympic Heritage Trust were delighted to celebrate the opening of the first Paralympic Heritage Centre, at Stoke Mandeville Stadium the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement.

Sir Philip Craven, Eva Loeffler and Dr Guttmann's great grandchildren cut the ribbon at the official opening.	Paralympian's, Margaret Maughan and Sally Haynes.	BuDs volunteer dressed in the Pyeongchang 2018 kit and holding the Torch.

300 guests were welcomed to the launch on Friday with speeches from Sir Philip Craven MBE, Eva Loeffler OBE and Nigel Purse.

Sir Philip Craven MBE, Paralympian, spoke of his wheelchair basketball experiences in the 1960s

Eva Loeffler OBE, shared fond memories of her father, Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann

Nigel Purse, NPHT Chairman, spoke about the work of the Trust, Trustees and supporters in developing the National Paralympic Heritage Centre

Interview with Vicky Hope-Walker, CEO of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust

Vicky Hope Walker's interview with BBC Three Counties radio about the opening of the Paralympic Heritage Centre can be listened to here: 

Public opening on Saturday 30th March 2019

The public were welcomed to the opening of the Heritage Centre where visitors had guided tours of the centre, enjoyed listening to Paralympian, John Harris' story, took part in ‘Have a go’ Paralympic sports and watched drama performances from ‘I Have a Voice Too’.

Paralympian, John Harris' story of his gold medal win at the 1984 Paralympic Games

Drama performances from ‘I Have a Voice Too’ theatre group