Uniting for Swifter, Greater, and Mightier Feats

In the heart of Paris, this week marks the initiation of the Paralympics, a global event that showcases athletic feats performed by individuals overcoming various disabilities. This year, 184 nations will be competing in 549 events covering 22 sports, a testament to the growing inclusivity and recognition of athletes with disabilities.

The Paralympics have a rich history that dates back to 1948, inspired by Dr Ludwig Guttmann, a German Jew who, during the Nazi attacks, ordered his staff to admit anyone without question, managing to rescue 60 patients. Guttmann's humanitarian efforts were further evident when he established Britain's first specialist unit for treating spinal injuries at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire in September 1943.

Guttmann was horrified to see how patients were often neglected, dying from bed sores. He believed that sport was a major method of therapy, helping those with injuries to rebuild strength and self-respect. His vision culminated in the first Stoke Mandeville Games for disabled war veterans in 1948, held alongside the first post-war Olympics in London.

Four years later, these games evolved into the International Stoke Mandeville Games, with Dutch veterans joining British competitors, making it the first international competition of its kind. In 1960, the games were held alongside the official XVII Olympiad in Rome, realizing Guttmann's dream to create an elite sports competition for people with disabilities.

The Paralympics, as we know them today, officially began in 1964, coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, they have been held in the same year as the Olympic Games, with the exception of the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to a political boycott. Since the Seoul Games in 1988, the Paralympics have been held directly after the Olympics, using the same facilities.

The 1976 Summer Games expanded participation to 1600 athletes from 40 countries, allowing athletes with different disabilities to compete. This expansion marked a significant milestone in the inclusivity of the Paralympics.

The author, the Director of the Schuman Centre for European Studies, admires the work of two heroes who have advocated for the rights of disabled Europeans for decades. Thérese Swinters, the former convenor of the European Disability Network, and Martina Köninger, her successor, have been instrumental in highlighting the challenges faced by disabled individuals, including indifference and ignorance within the Christian community.

The European Disability Network has been vocal about these issues, pointing out the need for greater understanding and acceptance. This week, Ensemble2024 is being launched across Paris and France parallel to the Paralympics, an initiative that advocates for the rights and concerns of people with disabilities, although it is not explicitly named in the search results provided.

As the Paralympics continue, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of athletes who, despite their challenges, strive for excellence and inspire us all. The author, whose brother recently had a stroke requiring an unplanned trip to New Zealand for rehabilitation, finds a deep connection with these athletes and their stories of overcoming adversity.