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Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium for the Disabled

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From the collection of

East Anglian Film Archive at the University of East Anglia
The East Anglian Film Archive, the UK's first regional film archive, offers a unique record of the East of England's social and cultural history. As part of the University of East Anglia, we continue to lead moving image heritage research and inspire audience participation through community projects and events. Our collections represent a broad range of amateur and professional creativity, from 1896 to the present day.

Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium for the Disabled

Rare home movie capturing sporting action in 1967 at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, birthplace of the Paralympics.

Home movie of sporting activity at the International Stoke Mandeville Games in 1967, captured on Super 8 colour film by Maureen Jones of Norwich. Thought to be the birthplace of the Paralympics, the Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium hosted a yearly international sporting competition for wheelchair users. Mrs Jones' amateur footage shows wheelchair athletes competing in a range of sports disciplines including archery and javelin.

Forerunner to the Paralympics, the Stoke Mandeville Games evolved from its beginnings as rehabilitation for British World War II veteran patients in 1948, thanks to the pioneering spirit of the then Director of the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Sir Ludwig Guttman. Neurologist Guttman offered an holistic approach to treating patients, encouraging participation in sport not only to help develop a patient's muscles but to also enhance psychological well-being.

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