Paralympic Heritage

@paraheritage

The National Paralympic Heritage Trust was established in July 2015 to protect and share British Paralympic Heritage.

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Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· 15d

New exhibition loading... Can you guess where? 🏛️🎓♿

NPHT staff member Kat is kneeling on the floor, inside a cordoned off exhibition space. To the left of the image there is lots of bubble wrap and a trolley carrying display boards and cardboard boxes.
In the centre, Kat is attaching a text panel to one of the empty white display boards. She wears a white NPHT polo shirt and khaki green jeans.

NPHT staff member Emily is kneeling on the floor, inside a cordoned off exhibition space. She is attaching an acrylic holder to one of the displays. She wears a black t shirt and light blue jeans.

A view of the empty display panels in the exhibition space, waiting to be filled.
In the background, there are two escalators which ascend through a circular hole in the roof to an upper floor.
To the left foreground of the image, a tape measure is sitting on the floor and in the background the installation team are talking, next to a trolley.

A large exhibition space with white walls and grey flooring, is cordoned off with red and white plastic tape.
It is situated in a large building with a high roof. It has lots of natural light and tall concrete pillars stretching from floor to ceiling. On the wall in the background it says 'children's library, music library and book browse'.
Inside the tape there are several large white freestanding boards waiting to be filled.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· 15d

Thanks to @natarchivestrust.bsky.social 'Archives Revealed', we've been cataloguing and uncovering the story of one of the most influential figures behind the Paralympic Movement. Jean Stone MBE. You can read about what we found here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/blog/inside-... 🏛️🎓♿

There is a colour photograph of Jean Stone in Hong Kong, taken in 1994. She is standing on a rooftop terrace or raised walkway, with her hands wrapped around a cylindrical railing. The sea is behind her, and a rollercoaster down below, a string of green Carlsberg Beer flags catching the breeze. Jean is wearing a colourful striped outfit, her auburn hair slightly windswept, and she’s smiling a relaxed, unguarded smile.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· 24d

We're relaunching the Widgit edition of our Heritage Centre tour. Everyone is welcome, whether you're visiting virtually, or in person. 🏛️🎓♿ Download the Widgit tour at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/family-fun-a... Explore the Heritage Centre at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/herita...

The front page of our Widgit tour, welcoming visitors to the National Paralympic Heritage Centre and explaining how the tour works.

A screenshot of the wheelchair display in the National Paralympic Heritage Centre, with a section of the Widgit guide, relevant to the display. The pages of the guide are colour coded to match the colour of the handrails in the Heritage Centre. The handrail for this section is blue.

A screenshot of the Dr Guttmann display case in the National Paralympic Heritage Centre, with a section of the Widgit guide, relevant to the display. The pages of the guide are colour coded to match the colour of the handrails in the Heritage Centre. The handrail for this section is green.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· 29d

"We mopped up all the hotels in town, all the schools, all the church halls. Just about anywhere you could fit beds, we took it over." "Transport was one of the biggest headaches". Off-duty police drove buses, local families volunteered. The whole community came together to make the Games happen.

A quote reads: "We mopped up all the hotels in town, all the schools, all the church halls. Just about anywhere you could fit beds into, we took it over."

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· 29d

"Where was everyone going to go?" 🤔 #OnThisDay in 1984, the Summer Paralympic Games opened in Stoke Mandeville with organisers finding accommodation for hundreds of athletes, officials and families across Buckinghamshire.🏛️🎓♿ Stoke Mandeville Stadium Assistant Manager Keith Delderfield remembers:

Five British athletes, propelling their wheelchairs down the track in their team tracksuits, at the opening ceremony of the 1984 Paralympic Games. In the background are lots of other athletes in their wheelchairs, with flags and placards with countries on.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 30

"The Winter Paralympics: 50 Years in the Making" is now available to watch with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation on our YouTube channel. We hope it allows even more people to discover the remarkable history of the Winter Paralympic Games. 🏛️🎓♿ Watch the film at: youtu.be/3ZCQI8gfJhA

Dr Christopher Brown is smiling and only his head and shoulders are visible. He is wearing back rimmed glasses, a burgundy coloured jumper and a navy shirt with the collar emerging from the jumper. In the bottom right hand corner of the image, is a BSL interpreter, wearing a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He has no hair on his head, and a well manicured short beard and moustache.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 26

And finally, the magic of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she competed against her idols on the track, aged 15 and with under 4 years in wheelchair racing, won a silver medal. Karé acknowledged:

Kare is wearing her medal around her neck at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and her mouth is open in surprise or shock. A quotes says 'Rio will always be special'.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 26

Training 6 days a week, all year round, the Summer season might bring an opportunity for medals but Karé reminded us that:

Kare competes for Great Britain on track at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She is on the inside lane and is looking up. A quote reads: 'It's not just about winning medals and world records. It's about growing in character. It's about endurance, getting stronger, growing in confidence, in perseverance, in discipline."

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 26

Although a 9-time medal winner, she's still chasing that Paralympic gold. Karé shared:

Kare Adenegan is on track in Rio having just won a bronze medal in the 800m T34. She is smiling widely. A quote reads: 'I personally don't believe in failure. When we lose, when we make mistake, we actually learn.'

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 26

Some standout messages from Karé Adenegan PLY at this week's 'Meet the Paralympian' event ♿🎓 Having been excluded from sport at school, Karé highlighted:

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 24

It's too hot, we need a swim - what a day to be a Mallard! 🦆 Robin Surgeoner MBE is a 9-time Paralympic gold medallist who began his career with the Rushmoor Mallards in Hampshire. Dive into the cool interior of our Hampshire Gallery to read more: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/global-virtu... 🏛️🎓♿

Paralympian Robin Surgeoner is seated inside a swimming complex. Only his head, shoulders and chest are visible. He wears a tight white swimming cap with dark lensed glasses. Black wired headphones run over the top of his tracksuit jacket, which is largely white, with a blue collar and blue and red chevrons across the chest. Robin is mentally preparing for a swimming race. In the background over his left shoulder is a British flag and over his right shoulder there appear to be 4 military musicians in red tunics, white trousers and with white plumes extending from their headdress.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 23

Students from St Francis Special School chose this colourful parachute to represent 'activity and inclusion' in our Hampshire Gallery. 🌈🪂 Their reflections included happiness, excitement and colour. Find more student objects and reflections at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/global-virtu... 🏛️🎓♿

In the centre is circular parachute, with 8 coloured sections in red, blue, green and yellow.

Underneath is a grid which shows eight images with eight accompanying words. The symbols show the following words: Colour, blue, red, yellow, green, beanbag, happy, excited.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 18

Exhibition: 'Celebrating Disability Sport in Nottinghamshire'🏛️🎓 📍 Nottingham Central Library 🎟️ Free Discover the history of CP Sport. Celebrate local places, pioneers & Paralympians. Learn about adapted sports, and explore tactile objects. ♿ More at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/celebr...

A Frame Runner sits on a platform in the middle of an exhibition space. The space has a grey floor and white walls. There are lots of objects and text panels displayed on the walls. In the distance there are book shelves and large windows.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jun 16

It's #LearningDisabilityWeek and we're highlighting the story of Paralympic sprinter and disability rights campaigner, Kenny Colaine MBE. To read more, visit: paralympicheritage.org.uk/kenneth-cola... 🎓🎓♿ #LDweek #DoYouSeeMe

Athlete Kenny Colaine holds his hands in the air and smiles as he wears his 1992 Paralympic gold medal around his neck. He is wearing a ParalympicsGB tracksuit, which is white, blue and red.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· May 18

✨ Our exhibition 'Celebrating Jean Stone' has moved to the heart of Aylesbury! ✨ A big thank you to our amazing museum trainees Thomas and Simon for helping to reinstall the display, and welcoming questions from visitors! 1/2 #InternationalMuseumDay #IMD2026 #Paralympics 🏛️🎓♿

Trainees Thomas and Simon stand together in front of the display, smiling.

An arrangement of colourful artworks made by students from Alfriston School as part of the exhibition to celebrate Jean Stone.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· May 13

Our very own Emily Toettcher will be speaking at the Museums + Heritage Show tomorrow at 2:15pm. She'll be sharing our learning from our inclusive work placement programme for 16-18yr olds, in consultation with young people at our local SEND schools. If you’re attending, come and say hello! 🏛️🎓♿

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Apr 28

We're delighted to announce that medal winning Paralympic wheelchair racer Karé Adenegan is joining us for two unique online talks on Wed 24th June! 10:30 - 11:15: Schools Key Stage 1 to 3 1-2pm: KS4+ Find out more and book your free place at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Pages/Events... 🏛️🎓♿

Kare Adenegan is pictured with her arms out wide holding the British flag up high behind her. She is smiling widely having just raced, and wears a white helmet, and a white sleeveless sports top which says Great Britain across the chest.
Text over the top of the image reads; Meet the Paralympian: Kare Adenegan. Online Event. Wednesday 24th June 2026. 10:30am Schools and home educated children key stages 1, 2 and 3. 1pm Adults universities and secondary schools key stage 4 and above.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Feb 18

The 2026 Winter Paralympics are almost here and we’re excited to welcome Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher as the next speaker in our 'Meet the Paralympian' event series. 🏛️🎓♿ 📅 Join us on Wednesday 25th February, at 11am or 1pm. ✨ Book your FREE place at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Pages/Events/

A dynamic colour image of Kelly Gallagher wearing her ski suit, helmet and goggles against a black background. She is holding up her gold medal. Text reads: Meet the Paralympian, Kelly Gallagher MBE. Online Event. Wednesday 25th February 2026. 11am schools and home educated children key stages 1 to 3. 1pm adults, universities and secondary schools key stages 4 plus.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Feb 16

We’re delighted to launch our new display: 'Celebrating cerebral palsy sport at Harvey Hadden Stadium', in partnership with CP Sport. It features athlete stories, photos & a frame runner you can see and touch. Open until 15 May. For more info & audio: paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/celebr... 🏛️🎓♿

A shiny navy blue frame runner is display on top of a white plinth topped with blue running track. In the background you can see 4 exhibition information panels displayed on a white wall. There is a title above them and some leaflets underneath the forth panel.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Feb 9

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of World Abilitysport CEO Charmaine Hooper. She was a friend, a prominent voice in the world of disability sport and a committed advocate for preserving our Paralympic heritage. Our CEO Vicky Hope-Walker shared this statement:

A text statement reads: We have known Charmaine Hooper for 12yrs, since our establishment, and are deeply saddened by her tragic death on a personal level. We extend our heartfelt condolences to those close to her.

On a professional level, the NPHT and the Paralympics have lost one of their biggest heritage ambassadors. Someone who truly understood the value of the past alongside the future. Charmaine supported our work with frankness and integrity, and we shall deeply miss her guidance and company.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Feb 9

Love this! Here's a pic of of our Super Bowl... Press cuttings gifted to us by Paralympian Sally Haynes, showing athlete Godfrey Ithongo practicing for a Super Bowl. He would go on to represent Kenya in Lawn Bowls and Athletics events at the 1980, 1984 and 1988 Summer Paralympic Games.

A page in a scrapbook. A black and white photograph of Kenyan athlete Godfrey Ithongo in his wheelchair, arm outstretched ready to bowl. There are various press cuttings around this, relating to bowls, wheelchairs and the then 'Commonwealth Paraplegic Games'.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Jan 6

❄️ Just two months to go until the Winter Paralympic Games kicks off in Italy and we need your help! 🏛️🎓 Far less is known about the history of the Winter Paralympic Games than the Summer Games… and we want to change that 💙♿ ✨ Do you know someone who’s competed in a Winter Paralympics? 1/2

A black and white photograph of an athlete ice sledging on the ice in the early days of the Winter Paralympic Movement.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Dec 10

💥 On Friday, we had the privilege of hearing from @paralympicsgb.bsky.social’s incredible Krysten Coombs, who shared some amazing moments from his badminton career so far. 🏸 Missed our 'Meet the Paralympian' event? Here are 3 pearls of Coombs wisdom especially for you... 🏛️🎓♿

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Dec 5

🎨 We're seeking a community-engaged artist with lived experience of disability, to work with young women on a creative response to the Jean Stone collection, for an exhibition at Wycombe Arts Centre in March. For more info and to apply visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/call-fo... 🏛️🎓♿

A photograph of Jean Stone smiling. She is wearing a cream jacket, pearls and a gold brooch, with a black bag strap over her shoulder. The logos of the NPHT and supporting organisations (as written in the post) are shown above and below the photo.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Nov 17

It’s in! 🎉 Visitors can now explore our Global Virtual Museum from inside the Heritage Centre. We can’t wait for our after-school visitors to discover this new addition! They can navigate themselves, or select to enjoy a guided virtual tour.🏛️🎓 #MuseumTech #VirtualTour #FamilyFun

A photograph of the Global Virtual Museum display at the National Paralympic Heritage Centre. A touch-screen sits on an angled panel in front of a yellow wall which says Global Virtual Museum. To the right there are metallic buttons which you can use to navigate the Museum.

A close up of the screen showing the foyer of the Global Virtual Museum. The screen shows a yellow button which says 'Tap screen to start'.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Nov 11

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.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Nov 6

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.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Oct 20

🚨 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.

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Oct 13

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).

Paralympic Heritage@paraheritage· Oct 9

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 ♿