The United Kingdom has a proud history of hosting major international sporting events. According to the 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook, how did the Paralympic Games originate?
- They evolved from sports competitions organised by Dr Ludwig Guttmann for patients at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.Answer
- BThey were first established during the 1908 London Olympics to allow disabled veterans to compete.
- CThey were created by the British Olympic Association as part of the legacy planning for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
- DThey originated from traditional disabled sporting events held annually during the Scottish Highland Games.
Answer
The Paralympic Games originated from sports competitions organised by Dr Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for patients recovering from spinal injuries.
The official handbook specifically states that the Paralympic Games originated in the UK. Dr Ludwig Guttmann, a German refugee working at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire, developed sports for patients with spinal injuries. The first of these events took place in 1948.
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Key Concept
Origins of the Paralympic Games in the UK