1948–1960Reputable sourceWell documented
The Paralympic Movement
On the timeline · around 1948–1960 · The Global Games
What happened
In 1948, the neurologist Ludwig Guttmann organized an archery contest for disabled World War II veterans at Stoke Mandeville hospital in England, to coincide with the London Olympics. These 'Stoke Mandeville Games' grew, and in 1960 an international competition held in Rome after the Olympics became known as the first Paralympic Games — 400 athletes from 23 countries.
Why it matters
The Paralympics created a global stage for elite athletes with disabilities, transforming attitudes toward disability and becoming one of the world's largest sporting events, now held alongside every Olympic Games.