The dust has finally settled on the historic Paris 2024 Olympic Games and it is now time for the world's Paralympians to go head-to-head on the world stage. 

To kick it all off the Paralympic Flame will start in England, in Stoke Mandeville, this Saturday 24 August to pay tribute to the origins of the Paralympic Games.

It was in Stoke Mandeville Hospital that German neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a sporting competition in 1948 allowing injured Second World War veterans the chance to compete while the Olympic Games took place in London.

Named the Stoke Mandeville Games, they inspired the first Summer Paralympic Games which were celebrated in Rome in 1960 and, like the Olympic Games, have since taken place every four years with a similar torch relay followed by an opening ceremony.

On 24 August the Paralympic Flame will be lit at a lighting ceremony in Stoke Mandeville before 24 British Torchbearers travel the Channel Tunnel to hand the flame to 24 French Torchbearers at the halfway point between the United Kingdom and France. 

Leaving the Channel Tunnel, the flame will then multiply into 12 flames that will travel around France to over 50 towns and cities via 1,200 torchbearers through to August 28 when they converge on Paris to coincide with the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

The travelling 12 torches symbolise the 12 days of the Paralympic Games but there will also be a 13th Torch that will be lit in Paris on the first day of the Torch Relay on 25 August which will be used in ceremonies commemorating the 80th  anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.

“After the wave of emotions that swept through us during the Olympic Games, the last thing that we want is to say goodbye to the Games. The good news is that the Games are not over, as the Summer Paralympic Games will soon be coming to France for the first time in history!" said Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.

"We cannot wait to welcome 1,200 Forerunners who will be going out to meet French men and women over four momentous days. During this Relay, 12 Flames will burn simultaneously to celebrate regions that reflect the richness and diversity of French heritage and shared commitment to promoting sports and inclusion. See you soon on the roads of France!”

The Paralympic Games programme features a wide range of sporting activities, cultural events in festive atmospheres, DJs and live performers, and Para sports demonstrations taking place between 24 August and 8 September.