Sir Ludwig Guttmann birth anniversary: Google Doodle honours father of Paralympic Games

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, July 3

Google on Saturday honoured Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a German doctor considered the father of the Paralympic Games, with a Doodle. The doodle shows various paralympic athletes along with a picture of Sir Ludwig.

Born in Tost, Germany (now Toszek, Poland) on July 3, 1899, Ludwig Guttmann established the Stoke Mandeville Games, the sporting event for the disabled that evolved into the Paralympic Games in England.

He received his MD in 1924 and commenced his research work on spinal cord injuries. 

“Today, Paralympic athletes are rightfully recognised for their skills and achievements. The Paralympic Games continue to be a driving force for promoting the rights and independence of people with disabilities, with a lasting impact on equal treatment and opportunity,” the Google Doodle page says.

In England, Guttmann advanced his research in paraplegia. In 1944, he put his innovative approach into practice as the director of the National Spinal Injuries Center at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

In 1948, he organized a 16-person archery contest, one of the first official competitive sporting events for wheelchair users. Later called the “Stoke Mandeville Games” or the “Olympics for the Disabled,” the competition demonstrated the power of elite sport to break down barriers for disability and garnered the attention of global medical and sporting communities.

In 1960, Guttmann facilitated the International Stoke Mandeville Games, following the 1960 Summer Olympics, the first of many Paralympic Games. His passion for

He received numerous accolades for his contributions, the highest among which was being knighted by the Queen in 1966.