The Paralympic Games, or the Paralympics, are the largest international competition for people with disabilities. These games are held once every two years, and alternate between taking place during the summer and winter seasons just as the Olympic Games do. The first Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome, Italy. Sir Ludwig Guttman was the driving force behind the first Paralympic Games; he was a German neurologist. Initially, Guttman’s plan was set to be on a smaller scale and took place at the Stoke Mandeville hospital (the Stoke Mandeville Games). However, it gained momentum and evolved into the much larger Paralympics that we know today. The Stoke Mandeville games involved 16 injured servicemen and women, and took place on the lawns of the hospital. The injured adults participated solely in archery; this set of games took place in 1948. However, the first Paralympic Games involved 400 disabled athletes from 23 different countries; there were many different sports involved in this set of games, ranging from fencing to swimming. In the 2024 Summer Paralympics, there were over 4,000 athletes participating, demonstrating the tremendous growth in the popularity and involvement of these games.
The Paralympics have transformed the overall perception and understanding of those with disabilities. “Across all countries, the Paralympics were strongly associated with values like inclusivity, inspiration, diversity, and respect” (International Paralympic Committee). These games have a lasting emotional impression on their viewers, which affects how they live their daily lives. The Paris 2024 Paralympics had the greatest number of viewers than ever before, with over 700 million hours of coverage consumed. In the Paralympics, athletes are rewarded and celebrated for their successes, rather than only being seen for their limitations. Additionally, these games have brought more light to improve infrastructure for those with disabilities, making communities and cities a safer place for all people. Lastly, the Paralympics have resulted in progress in making better equipment, such as prosthetics and wheelchairs. To conclude, the Paralympics may have started small (in the Stoke Mandeville Hospital), but they are incredibly relevant and beneficial to society today.