The excitement is on another level with the summer Paralympics season commencing on August 28. This year, more than 4,400 para-athletes will compete across 22 sports. You’ll catch thrilling wheelchair rugby, epic para-table tennis showdowns, and the intense action of blind soccer.
These games aren’t just events; they showcase these inspiring athletes’ physical prowess and incredible spirits. As we get ready to cheer them on, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the rich history of the Paralympics and how the sheer determination of athletes outshines any challenge.
History of Paralympics
Founded by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, the Paralympics is a major international multi-sport event involving athletes with various disabilities.
In 1948, Dr. Guttmann organized the first competition for wheelchair athletes, known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, which were held on the same day as the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.
Initially, the event focused on World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries, but it swiftly expanded to include athletes with different impairments. This includes amputations, cerebral palsy, vision impairments, spinal cord injuries, and les autres.
The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, bringing together 400 athletes from 23 countries participating in 8 different sports. As the event kept growing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was established to oversee the organization of the Paralympic Games and promote Paralympic sports worldwide.
Since then, the Paralympic Games have expanded dramatically. For instance, the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games saw a participation of 3,800 athletes from 123 countries. Although the event was celebrated for its competitive spirit, rumor has it that none of the 12 players on Spain’s basketball team was actually mentally disabled as represented.
This not only cast a shadow over Spain’s gold medal victory but also affected the integrity of the Paralympics. After the outrage, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) implemented stringent measures to ensure something like this could never happen again.
In recent years, the Paralympics have continued to break new ground. The 2016 Rio Paralympic Games featured over 4,300 athletes from 159 countries, and then the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) carried on the legacy of showcasing extraordinary talent and determination.
Top Paralympics Athletes of All Time
The Paralympics have proved that athleticism and determination know no bounds. Despite various challenges, athletes worldwide have showcased extraordinary talent and celebrated remarkable achievements. Below are just a few of the top Paralympians of all time:
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How to Watch the Paralympics
This year, Paris will host Paralympians from all over the world who will compete in 22 sports at some of the city’s most iconic venues, including the Eiffel Tower, Château de Versailles, and Grand Palais.
The opening ceremony is one of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 event. It will be held outside a stadium for the very first time, allowing over 65,000 spectators to witness some of the toughest athletes parading through the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde.
So, how can you catch all of this thrilling action? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay tuned. For instance, major broadcasters like NBC, Channel 4 (UK), and the Seven Network (Australia) will cover the events.
Similarly, you can tune in to Peacock, CBC, NBC Sports, Channel 4’s All 4, and the Paralympic Games’ official YouTube channel to watch live events. The official Paralympics and International Paralympic Committee website will also offer athlete interviews, live streams, and highlights of all 22 sports.
To make sure you don’t miss a moment, stay connected with the official Paralympics social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for live updates and fun behind-the-scenes content.
You can also get involved in the global conversation by using hashtags like #Paralympicsgames or #parisparalympics on social media to connect with fans worldwide. Don’t forget to check out sports news websites like BBC Sport, ESPN, and Eurosport for detailed coverage, including articles, live blogs, and scores.
Catch the Action with Wheelchair Getaways
If you’d rather be in Paris than watch the game from your couch, Wheelchair Getaways has you covered! We are available in more than 201 locations nationwide, so you can easily rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to make your trip to the airport seamless.
We’ll drop you off at the airport to catch your flight, and you can even book us to pick you up and drive you home when you return*. Even if Paris isn’t on your itinerary, you can rent a van to watch the games with family or friends or catch your favorite event at your local sports bar!
The best part? Our fleet includes vans with side-entry or rear-entry access and features such as lifts, ramps, lowered floors, secure tie-downs, steering knobs, and adaptive equipment, so even the bumpiest and longest rides will feel like a breeze.
Call us at (866) 224-1750 to book your rental today or learn more about our vehicles. Let us help you get to the games with ease and comfort!
*Airport dropoff/pickup pricing and availability vary by location.