The flame for the 2024 Summer Paralympics was lit on Saturday in the historic village of Stoke Mandeville, located in the northwest London suburb. This significant event marks the beginning of the flame’s journey to Paris, where athletes from around the world will gather for the much-anticipated Games.
Stoke Mandeville holds a special place in Paralympic history. In 1948, it was here that the first Stoke Mandeville Games were held, a groundbreaking event where a group of wheelchair athletes competed under the guidance of Jewish neurosurgeon Ludwig Guttmann. Escaping Nazi persecution before World War II, Guttmann revolutionized treatments for spinal injuries, providing hope and inspiration through sports for those with disabilities.
The lighting ceremony not only honors this rich legacy but also symbolizes the unity and resilience of the Paralympic community. As the flame embarks on its journey, it will cross the English Channel and travel around France before arriving in Paris for the opening ceremony on Wednesday.
In an unprecedented move, the flame will ignite a unique cauldron attached to a hot-air balloon upon its arrival in Paris. This imaginative display represents the soaring aspirations and limitless potential of the athletes who will compete over the following 11 days in the French capital.
The 2024 Summer Paralympics promise to be a celebration of athletic excellence and human determination, bringing together diverse cultures and stories from across the globe. The journey of the flame serves as a reminder of the Games’ origins and the ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
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Paralympic flame lit at Stoke Mandeville to kick off journey to Paris
cgtn.com
