Discover > Themes: Stoke Mandeville: The Birthplace Of The Paralympics
The Finmere Horse Show
Sally recalls the origins of the Finmere Show, raising money for the plane that carried athletes to Rome in 1960.
Home of the Paralympic Movement
Martin describes Stoke Mandeville as the spiritual home of the Paralympic movement.
Stoke Mandeville Junior Games
Jayant describes his experiences at the first Junior Games at Stoke Mandeville.
Paralympic torch lighting
Tim talks about how the Paralympic torch lighting ceremony at Stoke Mandeville began, and the impact it has had on the world.
Inspiration of wheelchair athletes
Mike recalls catching sight of athletes practising wheelchair archery from the window of a steam train on his way to RAF Halton as a teenager. A few years later, he took part in the games for the first time himself.
The Old Huts
Ernie describes the accommodation in the old huts at the early Games, sleeping outside in the summertime, and athletes playing pranks on one another.
Scale of volunteers
Roger remembers hundreds of volunteers helping out at the Stoke Mandeville Games.
Athletes supporting each other
Margaret describes athletes supporting and cheering each other on at the Stoke Mandeville Games.
Involvement at Stoke Mandeville
Dave describes his involvement with the Games as a young boy growing up in the local area.
Volunteering at the Stoke Mandeville Games
Dave describes a typical day helping out at the Stoke Mandeville Games.