Paralympics

The origins of the Paralympic Games are credited to neurologist and neurosurgeon, Professor Ludwig Guttmann.

The Second World War influenced a new outlook on the issue of rehabilitation for people with disabilities. In 1944, Professor Guttmann founded a medical center at Stoke-Mandeville Hospital (UK) for the treatment of people with spinal cord injuries. Later, he became a founder of the International Stoke-Mandeville games for people with injuries of the locomotor apparatus. These games were the prototype for the Paralympic Games.

The first Paralympic Summer Games were held in 1960 in Rome.

The first Paralympic Winter Games took place in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will be holding events in five winter sports:

• Alpine Skiing
• Biathlon
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Ice Sledge Hockey
• Wheelchair Curling