The Paralympic flame has been ignited at Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement! 🎉🔥 This small village in northwest London lit up with excitement on Saturday as the flame began its epic journey to Paris for the 2024 Summer Paralympics.
Why Stoke Mandeville? 🤔 It's not just any village. Back in 1948, it hosted the first-ever Stoke Mandeville Games, where a group of wheelchair athletes competed under the guidance of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann. Dr. Guttmann, a trailblazing neurosurgeon, revolutionized treatments for spinal injuries and laid the foundations for the Paralympic Games we know today. 🙌
Now, the flame is set to cross the English Channel 🌊 and tour around France 🇫🇷, spreading the spirit of unity and competition before it arrives in Paris. On Wednesday's opening ceremony, it will light a one-of-a-kind cauldron attached to a hot-air balloon! 🎈 How cool is that?
This marks the start of 11 thrilling days of competition in the French capital. Get ready to cheer on incredible athletes as they push boundaries and inspire the world! 🌟🏅
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Paralympic flame lit at Stoke Mandeville to kick off journey to Paris
cgtn.com
