Paralympic Flame Ignited: A Journey from England to France Ahead of Paris 2024
On August 24, 2023, the Paralympic flame was ceremonially ignited by distinguished British Paralympians Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan in Stoke Mandeville, a village located northwest of London, historically acknowledged as the birthplace of the Paralympic Games. This event occurred just two weeks subsequent to the extinguishing of the Olympic flame by celebrated French swimmer Léon Marchand, thereby transitioning the focus to the forthcoming Paralympic activities.
The flame is set to embark on an extensive journey to France, traversing the English Channel in a four-day relay that will encapsulate diverse landscapes, ranging from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the beaches of the Mediterranean, as well as the Pyrenees mountains and the Alps. It is anticipated that the flame will culminate its pilgrimage in Paris on August 30, 2023, during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. A notably innovative Olympic cauldron, designed to be attached to a hot-air balloon, will illuminate the skies of the French capital throughout the eleven-day event.
The lighting ceremony of the Paralympic Heritage Flame took place in Buckinghamshire, tracing its origins to the Stoke Mandeville Games, which commenced in 1948 for athletes who had sustained spinal injuries during World War II. This pioneering concept was established by the visionary Jewish neurosurgeon Ludwig Guttmann, who fled from Nazi Germany and later contributed to the medical community at Stoke Mandeville hospital. At that time, the prevailing belief was that individuals with spinal injuries were beyond recovery, often leading to substantial discouragement in movement. Dr. Guttmann’s revolutionary approach involved encouraging patients to participate in physical activity through competition, thereby fostering both rehabilitation and motivation.
During the lighting ceremony, Andrew Parsons, the President of the International Paralympic Committee, articulated a heartfelt connection to Dr. Guttmann, asserting, “I do not know about you, but I can feel his presence here today, no doubt about it.” Furthermore, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, expressed pride and enthusiasm for hosting the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games. He remarked, “We are ready to make it unique and memorable for France and the whole world.”
The following day, the flame will travel via the Channel Tunnel, akin to its Olympic counterpart, as it commences the relay across the sea. A group consisting of 24 British athletes will carry the flame through the 50-kilometer-long tunnel, where it will be ceremonially passed to 24 French athletes at its midpoint. This collaborative act will serve to transfer the flame ashore in Calais, where it will ignite 12 torches representing the 11 days of competition and the opening ceremony.
Upon reaching France, the 12 offshoots from the main flame will disperse to various locations, igniting excitement for the upcoming Paris Games. The torch relay will involve 1,000 torchbearers, including former Paralympians, aspiring para athletes, dedicated volunteers from Paralympic federations, innovators of assistive technologies, and individuals committed to promoting inclusivity for those with disabilities. These torchbearers will journey to 50 cities nationwide, effectively raising awareness and fostering community engagement in the promotion of sporting inclusivity.
On the conclusion of its relay in central Paris, the twelve flames are set to unite once more, culminating their journey after visiting renowned historical sites throughout the city. The relay will conclude with an igniting ceremony of the Olympic cauldron during the grand three-hour opening spectacle, celebrating not only the athletes but also the enduring legacy and spirit of the Paralympic Movement.
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