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The birth of the Paralympic Games - Ludwig Guttmann, a German-born English neurosurgeon born on July 3, 1899, founded the Paralympic Games. Guttmann graduated from the University of Freiburg in 1924 with a medical degree.

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The birth of the Paralympic Games -

Guttmann used sports and physical activities as a treatment for injured servicemen. This resulted in an organized archery contest between 16 disabled patients on July 29, 1948, which was also the opening of the 1948 Olympic Games in London.

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The birth of the Paralympic Games -

In 1949, more events and participants were included, and it was renamed the Stoke Mandeville Games. In 1952 the event became international when Guttmann founded the International Stoke Mandeville Games Committee.

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The first Paralympic Games - In 1960, Rome hosted the Olympic Games. Weeks later, the Stoke Mandeville Games were held in the same location and featured more than 400 athletes from 23 countries. It became known as the first Paralympic Games.

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The first Paralympic Games -

After its introduction, the Paralympic Games became a quadrennial event that occurred in the same year as the Olympics.  In 1976, we saw the first Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.

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Advancements: New sports included -

In 2014, snowboarding was first featured at the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games, and in 2016, the para-triathlon and para-canoeing debuted in Rio. 

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Overcoming obstacles: managing disability -

Paralympic athletes must constantly adapt their training and competition strategies to account for their disabilities. For example, visually impaired footballers rely heavily on their sense of hearing, altering their play style to track the ball's movement through sound.

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Injury risks -

The risk of injury is higher for athletes with disabilities. Something like an ACL tear can have more severe consequences for an athlete with a lower limb amputation compared to an able-bodied athlete.

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Specialized medical care -

Medical teams must address general sports injuries and those related to the athlete's specific disability. This can include managing things like muscle tightness, or treating skin breakdown around amputations, or even providing specialized physiotherapy.

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Technological advances - The rapid development of prostheses and wheelchairs, made from lightweight, high-strength materials, has enhanced performance but it has also introduced new injury risks due to their advanced capabilities.

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Lack of research -

There is a huge gap in research focused on injury prevention and management in disability sports. This lack of data makes it challenging to develop effective injury prevention strategies tailored to the unique needs of Paralympic athletes.

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A fight for equality -

Athletes who compete in the Paralympic Games often face struggles in recognition and equal status when compared to those athletes in the Olympic Games. The Paralympics strives to promote fairness and inclusivity but oftentimes societal and systemic barriers hinder their visibility.

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Less publicity and coverage - The Paralympic Games have historically received less media coverage, sponsorship, and financial support, which further drives a wedge between them and the Olympic Games.

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Societal attitudes - Society will often view Paralympic athletes as symbols of inspiration rather than elite competitors. There is still an ongoing need for greater advocacy to ensure Paralympic athletes receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

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Expansion and accessibility -

In 1992, the Paralympic Games were held in Barcelona, Spain and a record 3,200 athletes representing 80 countries participated. Then in 2000, the Sydney Paralympic Games introduced the “mixed events” concept where athletes with different impairments could compete together.

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Paralympics improvements -

In 2008, a new record was achieved when 4,000 athletes from 147 countries participated in 211 events across 20 sports. Then, in 2021, The London Paralympic Games introduced a new classification system for athletes that focused on functional ability rather than a medical diagnosis.

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Advancements in technology -

Technological advancements have improved the lives of Paralympic athletes in multiple ways. From innovations in wheelchairs to better, more functional prosthetics and beyond, the Paralympics have motivated an improvement in resources for those who need them.

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Paralympic values -

The Paralympic Games have four core values. They are courage, determination, inspiration, and equality. With each of these in mind, the Paralympic Games are transforming the world as we know it and helping to make it a more accessible, safe place for everyone.

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The Future of the Paralympics: inclusivity and diversity -

In years to come, the Paralympic Games are set to continue their journey towards greater inclusivity and diversity. By simply existing, the Paralympics helps to break barriers and improve awareness.

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Increased accessibility -

Precedents were set in the Paris 2024 Paralympic as the village where competitors live was designed with accessibility in mind. It features public spaces, roads, and sidewalks accessible to those in wheelchairs.

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Stoke Mandeville Heritage -

Starting in 2024, the Paralympic torch relay will begin in Stoke Mandeville, England, honoring the site’s significance in the Paralympic movement’s history.

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Growing participation -

The 2024 Summer Paralympics will feature a record 235 medal events for women, which is an increase of eight when compared with the 2020 Paralympics. This trend is expected to continue, with female participation projected to at least double that of Sydney in 2000.

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Notable athletes: Trischa Zorn -

Trischa Zorn is the most decorated Paralympian and has won 55 medals in her time competing! 41 of those were gold medals across seven Paralympic Games from 1980 to 2004. 

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Notable athletes: Jessica Long -

Paralympic swimmer, Jessica Long, has won 29 Paralympic medals including 16 gold. She was born in Siberia and then adopted by an American family. She also has fibular hemimelia and had both legs amputated below the knee at 18 months old.

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Notable athletes: Sarah Storey -

Sarah Storey is a British Paralympian who has won 17 gold medals across multiple sports. She was born with a partially-formed left hand but has dominated in swimming and cycling.

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Notable athletes: Natalia Partyka -

Polish table tennis player, Natalia Partyka, was born without a right hand and forearm. She has won multiple Paralympic medals

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Notable athletes: Sir David Lee Pearson -

Sir David Lee Pearson is a British equestrian who has won 14 gold medals in the Paralympics. He was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and dominates the Paralympics with determination and skill.

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Events -

The Paris Paralympic Games will feature 4,400 athletes from 180 countries, competing in 549 events across 22 sports. 

Sources: (Britannica) (International Paralympic Committee) (Fortius Clinic) (PLOS) (WheelPower) (The Week)

See also: The most decorated athletes of all time

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