Everyday Stories - How the Local Community Saved the 1984 Paralympic Games

We will have a stand at the Marketplace event on 19th September, sharing several items related to the local history of the Paralympic Games and the contribution that local people had in creating, shaping and saving the Paralympic Games. From humble beginnings in 1948 as the Stoke Mandeville Games, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville in creating the global Paralympic movement.

We will be looking at the cottage industries that formed to support the sporting events, and the importance of the local community in sustaining this movement. From nurses that worked in the hospital and officiated sports, to craftspeople that designed medals and outfits, to residents that offered their spare bedroom to competing athletes.

A particular focus will be the 1984 "Last Minute" Paralympic Games. Originally due to be held in America until one of the host cities pulled out just months before the Games were due to take place, the good people of Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville stepped in to host the wheelchair sports with the entire local community mobilising to ensure the Games continued to thrive.

We will also be keen to listen to residents of the local community that may have memories of these Games and want to help capture these stories as part of a project celebrating the impact and importance of the people behind the Games.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

10:00 - 17:00

Location & directions

Aylesbury Town Council, Town Hall, 5 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2QP

Directions:

5 Church St, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Contact on day:

Ben Banyard-Phelps

Telephone number:

+447847514198

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

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