Paralympics 2024: Paralympics flame lit up in Stoke Mandeville, begins its journey to Paris

On Saturday, August 24, the Paralympic Flame was officially lit at the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, Stoke Mandeville, a town in Buckinghamshire, England, with the Paris 2024 Paralympics scheduled to start on August 28 in the French capital.

British Paralympians Helene Raynsford and Grego Ewan graced their presence at the event, in the presence of Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, to light up the flame that will travel across France before it reaches Paris.

Great Britain's first Paralympic gold medallist in rowing at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, Helene Raynsford, and a wheelchair curling specialist and three-time Paralympic champion, Gregor Ewan were given the responsibility to light up the flame for the first Paralympic Games in Paris.

After lighting up the flame, Raynsford highlighted the significance of the moment, terming it as "very special"

"There are no words to describe the honor of being chosen to light the Paralympic Flame alongside Gregor in the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement. It is a very special moment ahead of a spectacular Paralympic Games," Raynsford told media.

On the other hand, Ewan also had his say, "Stoke Mandeville is an integral part of the fabric of the Paralympic Movement and I am delighted to have been chosen for this special occasion".

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Andrew Parsons served as the first torchbearer of the Paralympic Flame, kicking off the relay on the athletics track at Stoke Mandeville.

The flame was then taken to the last English town, Folkestone, before crossing the channel via the Channel Tunnel. Over there, 24 British torchbearers will meet 24 French torchbearers at the tunnel's midway point for a historic 'torch kiss', where the flames from both countries will be united. The flame will then travel across France over four days from August 25 to 28.

Paris 2024 Paralympics will have 4,400 athletes competing in 549 medal events, across 22 different sports. The campaign will conclude on September 8.