A newly opened exhibition at Milton Keynes Museum celebrates the Paralympic Games; its origins, its future and those incredible individuals who have become Paralympic podium stars.
Paralympic Heritage:Stories from Milton Keynes explores the legacy of the international sports competition, while also shining a light on the Paralympians and accessible sporting clubs from herein the new city.
German-British neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann established the very first Stoke Mandeville Games, for disabled war veterans, in 1948. Those games evolved into the Paralympic Games we enjoy today.
Were it not for his vision and foresight, the Paralympic movement wouldn't be so far advanced, and his inspirational story and incredible work is explored in this exhibition.
The show also recalls the excitement that united the country during the London 2012 games, and reflects on the milestones that have followed in the decade since.
A range of displays and memorabilia will be available to view, and there is the chance to get hands-on with a number of objects. Visitors will also see the nation's own journey in supporting disability sport.
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Fancy showing your competitive side? You'll be able to try your hand at fencing, badminton, boccia and goalball with have-a-go sessions running throughout the Easter holidays.
“We are thrilled to be able to share so many truly impressive stories with this exhibition,” said Museum director Bill Griffiths, “My first recollection of a Milton Keynes athlete to reach national and international status was Rose Hill, who beat Tanni Grey-Thompson to win the wheelchair London Marathon in 1993. She also won two silver medals as a paralympian.
"We need to preserve the legacies of incredible people like Rose. This exhibition is one way of reminding people of contributions already made by truly inspiring people.
“There is so much more that we have to learn,” Bill added, “We did not know that athletes come from all over the country to train with organisations and use the facilities here in Milton Keynes.
“There are many individual accounts and personal recollections of overcoming obstacles to triumph. We are incredibly grateful to those people and organisations who have shared their stories with us."
Paralympic Heritage:Stories from Milton Keynes is fully accessible, with braille and audio descriptions provided.The exhibition is located in the New Galleries space and will continue until the end of May 2023.
For Museum opening times and ticket details click here
