Anniversary of Stoke Mandeville Games-Paralympic Movement. Disability Pride 2025

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The Paralympic movement at Stoke Mandeville is celebrating its 77th anniversary today. The first Stoke Mandeville Games were held on July 29, 1948. These games, organized by Ludwig Guttman are recognized as the precursor to the modern Paralympic Games. The anniversary will be marked by various events, including the LimbPower Junior Games, which are taking place on May 10, 2025, at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. 

In 1948, Dr. Guttmann, a German British neurologist, organized the first Stoke Mandeville Games for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries, using sports as a form of rehabilitation. The inaugural event involved wheelchair archery with 16 participants. 

The games grew in size and scope, with the participation of Dutch athletes in 1952. Stoke Mandeville Stadium, where the games were first held, is known as the "birthplace of the Paralympic Games". 

The first official Paralympic Games, was held in Rome, Italy in 1960.

The 77th anniversary is a reminder of the significant role Stoke Mandeville played in the development of the Paralympic Movement and the evolution of the Paralympic Games.