Paralympic Heritage
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Paralympic Heritage
@paraheritage.bsky.social
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The National Paralympic Heritage Trust was established in July 2015 to protect and share British Paralympic Heritage.
https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/
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paraheritage.bsky.social
Today, we honour the veterans of the Paralympic Movement, and remember their comrades who never returned home.

Post WW2 Stoke Mandeville Hospital was home to veterans and civilians with spinal cord injuries. In 1948, they faced veterans from the Star & Garter Home at the 1st Stoke Mandeville Games.
Four archers line up, two from the Royal Star and Garter Home and two from Stoke Mandeville. They are seated in wheelchairs, behind a white line and with white circular columns in the background.
November 11, 2025 at 12:20 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
We teamed up with Mitsubishi Corporation London Branch, Paralympians and consultants, to co-create sensory descriptions for items in the Japan Gallery of our Global Virtual Museum, helping blind and partially sighted visitors to experience each object. 💫

🏛️🎓♿
A photograph of those who attended the workshop in a large meeting room with wooden flooring and a white dividing wall. The team from Mitsubishi Corporation London Branch, Mike Brace and his guide dog King, Mark Chamberlen, NPHT team members Emma Carroll and Samuel Goldstone-Brady and Andy Shipley and his guide dog Dodger.
November 6, 2025 at 11:33 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
🚨 We're delighted to welcome two-time Paralympic medallist
Krysten Coombs as the next speaker in our 'Meet the Paralympian' event series!

📅 Join us on Friday 5th December, as Krysten reflects on his incredible badminton career so far.

Places are FREE:
paralympicheritage.org.uk/Pages/Events/

🏛️🎓♿
Krysten Coombs launches himself across the badminton court in the final at Paris 2024. Text over the top of the image reads: Meet the Paralympian Krysten Coombs. Online Event. Friday 5th December 2025. 11am for schools and home-educated children, key stages one, two and three. 1pm for adults, universities and secondary schools, key stage four and above.
October 20, 2025 at 2:52 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Thank you Heart of Bucks! 💜

We welcomed the High Sheriff of Bucks, Pippa Kirkbride, and the Heart of Bucks team to our Heritage Centre and were thrilled to receive a certificate recognising our charitable services to the county. 🏛️🎓♿

For more visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/a-visit...
NPHT team, Heart of Bucks trustees and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Pippa Kirkbride, in the National Paralympic Heritage Centre. (Photo credit: Heart of Bucks).
October 13, 2025 at 11:16 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Join us at our Heritage Centre this Saturday, as part of Stoke Mandeville Stadium's Big Open Weekend! 🏛️🎓

We'll be running FREE boccia drop-in sessions:
*09:00-10:00 SEND families
*10:00-12:00 general public

To learn more about #boccia beforehand, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/boccia ♿
A bit of information about boccia using widgit, a symbol based language. The information says; Boccia is a sport that everyone can play. Players sit in wheelchairs or chairs to play the game. Boccia is played in teams. A team can have up to 6 players. Two young girls are seated in wheelchairs, during a game of Boccia. One of the girls is preparing to throw a red ball.
October 9, 2025 at 10:31 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
5 months to go!❄️

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will mark 50yrs since the first Paralympic Winter Games!

Hackney-born Mike Brace, was selected as one of just six skiers on the British team!

🎿 Find out more about Mike here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/mike-brace

🏛️🎓♿
Paralympian Mike Brace is pictured wearing a white sports bib with the number 55 on it, black sunglasses and a white headband. He wears thick gloves and a multicoloured tracksuit top and holds ski poles in his hands.
October 6, 2025 at 11:52 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
📢 Celebrating 10rs of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust!

To our incredible community of Paralympians, partners, funders & friends - thank you. We can't wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the next 10yrs and beyond.

More here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/celebra...
🏛️🎓♿
Collections items relating to Jean Stone on display. Guests at the 10th birthday reception in London Paralympians Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Martin McElhatton. Paralympians Lora Fachie OBE and Darren Harris.
October 3, 2025 at 12:14 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
In May 2023, our archives consisted of 104 collections, each one varying from just one item to hundreds of items.

2 years on, that's grown to 155 collections - an increase of 50% of what we'd acquired in our first 6 to 7 years - and forever growing!

🏛️🎓
A black and white image of athlete Margaret Maughan, firing an arrow in archery. On top there is gold text which reads: 'From 104 to 155 unique collections in just 2 years. Each one telling stories that might otherwise have been lost.'
September 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
The NPHT is proud to champion truly inclusive workplaces.

In 2023, we launched our 'becoming seamlessly inclusive' strategy which included a programme which sought to address a distinct lack of employment opportunities for disabled people in our local area. ♿

#ParalympicHeritage #NIW2025 🏛️🎓
A photo of the 13 members of the NPHT team. They are standing in a sports hall, wearing black and white NPHT branded polo shirts and are smiling. Behind them is a white gazebo with the NPHT logo on it.
September 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lewis MBE, a true pioneer in Paralympic sport and a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Read our full tribute to Philip’s remarkable life here: 👉 www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/philip-...
A black and white photograph of Philip Lewis playing table tennis at Stoke Mandeville in 1963. He is in a wheelchair wearing a dark polo shirt and black rimmed glasses. He holds the table tennis racket in his right hand.
September 6, 2025 at 12:24 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 2012, the @paralympicsgb.bsky.social mixed coxed four brought home gold at Dorney.

Adaptive rower Naomi Riches MBE shared her incredible memories of race day here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/naomi-riches

#Rowing #Paralympics @britishrowing.bsky.social @britishblindsport.org.uk
September 2, 2025 at 10:25 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
The London 2012 Paralympics opened #OnThisDay 13 years ago, in the stadium which would stage so many unforgettable moments!

Here, Eva Loeffler describes the atmosphere when Jonnie Peacock raced in the Men's T44 100m final.

Full oral history here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history...

♿🏛️🎓
August 29, 2025 at 10:10 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
👑 A Royal Telegram 👑

Joan Scruton's contribution to the Paralympic Movement is clear and her decades of dedication didn’t go unnoticed. On 19 April 1988, hearing of her retirement, the then Prince Charles sent Joan a personal telegram (pictured).

More amazing items to come! #MuseumCollection ♿🏛️🎓
A telegram which reads: "I have just heard that you are retiring, 44 years after you started as personal secretary to Sir Ludwig Guttmann and having been Director/Secretary General of the British Paraplegic Sports Society since its formation. This is a marvellous record of service to an immensely worthwhile cause and I send you my warmest good wishes for a very happy retirement. Charles."
August 26, 2025 at 10:45 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Our volunteers are vital to the work we do.

Volunteer Helen says: "I love having the chance to encourage interest in local history and...show why & how we can help everyone to feel accepted, valued and safe."

Read her story at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/volunteer-stories-part-2

♿🏛️🎓
Gold text says, volunteer stories, part two. The text is placed in front of a black and white image of 4 NPHT volunteers and staff member Emily, with graham, the tallest volunteer standing behind the others. They all wear NPHT branded black an white polo shirts and are pictured inside a stadium.
August 20, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by Paralympic Heritage
bucksarchives.bsky.social
It's #SportandFashion month so we thought we'd share some amazing photos from the Winter Paralympics in 1992. These are preserved in our archive for future generations to marvel at.

From just one quick look at these garish patterns and bright colours you could have worked out the year immediately.
The Australian team at the 1992 Winter Paralympic Games opening ceremony. They are wearing a greenish blue uniform with a yellow and pink angular design on the front. They're all wearing black cowboy hats as well for some reason. An unknown team relaxing behind a red string fence. Snow is coming down quite heavily, but it's not heavy enough to obscure what they're wearing: hats, ski goggles, patterned jackets that have a series of yellow and pink stars on them, and trousers in such a bright yellow that they could pierce through a snowstorm. One of them is having a smoke. Various skiers, two on monoskis, posing for the camera. One of them is a British monoskier, the rest are sadly unknown. They are wearing purple, blue, and black uniforms with black and white helmets. Behind them, two women are wearing green jackets, one with a red cap. A close up image of a member of the US Disabled Ski Team. He is wearing a blue and purple jacket and a green cap with the team's logo on. He has a short brown beard and has his mouth open, like he's just noticed the photographer. He is wearing aviator sunglasses.
June 19, 2025 at 8:25 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 1996, the Atlanta Paralympics were underway and @paralympicsgb.bsky.social Marc Woods took a bronze and two silver medals in the swimming pool!

In an oral history, Marc told us how he overcame nerves to succeed!

🎧 Listen in full here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history...
♿🏛️🎓
August 18, 2025 at 11:51 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
1 year ago we launched the Disability Sports Catalogue with
@bucksarchives.bsky.social, ‘a huge milestone for Paralympic heritage’ said Natalia Dannenberg-Spreier of @paralympics.org.♿🏛️🎓

Explore the 35,000 items now searchable online: archives.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/disabilitysp...

#OnThisDay
A scan of a copy of the 1950 Summer edition of the publication 'The Cord'. It shows three photographs and some accompanying article text about the design of the Jack Cross folding chair.
August 14, 2025 at 9:09 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
📢 We’re Hiring! 📢

Role: Learning Consultant 🏛️🎓
Aim: To develop an accessible, curriculum-based, KS2 resource for our Global Virtual Museum.

Project Dates: Sept to Nov
Budget: £1,200
Apply by: Friday 29th August 2025

For more info & to apply, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/learnin...
A black and white screenshot of the Guttmann Gallery in the Global Virtual Museum has golden text written across it. the text reads: We are hiring! Learning Consultant. The NPHT logo is white and sits at the top of the image.
August 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Sailing was first included in the 1996 Atlanta @paralympics.org as a demonstration sport. Mike Hendra, pictured here towards the stern, was one of the athletes. ⛵

A lack of worldwide sailing participation has seen it omitted from recent Games, but hopes are that it could make a return in 2032. ♿🏛️🎓
Mike Hendra is pictured sailing at the 1996 Atlanta Games with another athlete in a boat with a wooden deck. Mike sits in the rear of the boat, his left hand steering and his right hand on the sails. He wears a long-sleeved Navy blue tracksuit top. His teammate is wearing a greyish cap and a long-sleeved white and green top with a navy blue body warmer on top.
August 4, 2025 at 11:12 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 1984, the Paralympic Games came to a close at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The British team was made up of 156 men & 68 women, winning a total of 107 Gold, 112 Silver and 112 Bronze medals.

For more about the 1984 Paralympics: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/stoke-mandev...

#MuseumEd ♿
A group picture of the British Paralympic team. Many of them are seated, with some standing towards the back. Some wheelchairs are visible towards the front, but are hidden in the crowd in the rows behind. All athletes wear black trousers, and a white tracksuit top with red pin stripes and red arms.
August 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Check out our new animated logo - courtesy of Andy Scott at PhotoHello (photohello.co.uk). Based locally, Andy offers photo and video services and very kindly carried out this work for us pro bono.

Thanks Andy - we love it! 💛

Thanks to Rachel Gadsden for her original design!
July 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
paraheritage.bsky.social
We're delighted to share that our Collections Engagement Officer Dr. @sambrady.bsky.social has been awarded the 2025 @socialhistory.bsky.social Pamela Cox Public History Prize for the 'Story of the Games' - his very first public exhibition. 🏆

Well done Sam! 👏

♿🏛️🎓
Sam and Emily are pictured installing the exhibition. They both lean against a ladder. A text graphic reads 'Dr Samuel Goldstone Brady, Pamela Cox Public History Prize. A close up of the Cord Journal for Paraplegics in the display. It reads, 'beginning as a way for patients to alleviate boredom on the wards, The Cord, captures disabled people's reflections about life, politics, and sport. An image of the interior of the exhibition space, made up of lots of wooden shelves and with a tiled floor. A picture of Sam smiling in front of the exhibit.
July 28, 2025 at 11:51 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Thanks for sharing in some of our favourite moments from the last 10 years. 💛 A big thank you to all of you who've supported us over the years.🙏

Here's a few pics from our birthday celebrations - a fitting tribute to a decade well done! 🎂

#ThankYou #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓
Two guests enjoy a Boccia match in the sports hall at Stoke Mandeville. Both are seated in wheelchairs and wearing wite polo shirts. Two guests ponder what to write on post-it notes when asked to sum up their experience with NPHT in 3 words. Guests are seated in order to watch a short film and listen to our keynote speakers. A cake cutting moment with Diane Hands wearing a floral pink dress and dark pink blazer, and Paralympian John Harris wearing a navy blue long-sleeved polo shirt.
July 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
Disability Sports Catalogue ♿🏛️🎓

In 2024, we teamed up with @bucksarchives.bsky.social to make over 30,000 records accessible online, a treasure trove of stories and collections from the early days of the Paralympic Movement.

archives.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/disabilitysp...

But that’s not all...
A screenshot of the Disability Sports Catalogue webpage. Underneath the title, are three tabs: catalogue home, search, browse. Underneath that are four images representing four different collections from: NPHT, ParalympicsGB, World Abilitysport, and WheelPower. Along the top of the webpage are the following logos: ParalympicsGB, NPHT, WheelPower, World Abilitysport, Buckinghamshire Council
July 24, 2025 at 10:37 AM
paraheritage.bsky.social
One of our proudest achievements, has been the journey to diversify the workforce.

Since 2023, we've supported nine people on work placements and four, paid part-time trainees, enhancing skills in collections care, curation, photogrammetry, accessibility & more!

More to come!

#NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓
Trainee Thomas stands opposite one of our Trustees, Martin seated in his wheelchair. They are recording an interview in the Heritage Centre, and displays of clothing, wheelchairs and sports equipment sit behind them. Trainee Adam is listing the contents of a new collections donation. He writes on a piece of paper, and there are folders and booklets on the table in front of him. Trainee Simon leans over a table with objects on display, and shows visitors an item from our collection which includes a raised Braille inscription. Trainee Ben is wearing a COVID mask. He holds an object in his hand and that same object is shown on his laptop screen beside him as a 3D model.
July 23, 2025 at 11:24 AM