The exhibition was the result of a collaborative community engagement project with local disability groups, sports clubs groups and several Paralympians. Spirit awarded £5,000 to help support the National Paralympic Heritage Regional Exhibition in Norwich.

Debbie Lye, Spirit of 2012 Chief Executive, said: ‘Spirit of 2012 was established to break down barriers between disabled and non-disabled people through sport, as well as culture and the arts. We know the power of sport to empower individuals as well as create better-connected communities, so we are very proud to help fund this excellent exhibition, to reach and inspire audiences across the region.’

Spirit’s Grant and Learning Manager Helen Spedding looks back at the highlights of the two months at the Norwich exhibition.

Using a range of displays, memorabilia and art, over 7000 visitors learnt about local and national Paralympians, all of whom have contributed to Paralympic heritage. Visitors found out how it all began with the inspirational story of Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann. Particular events, focusing on schools and families, celebrated personal achievements and diversity, with objects like the Cheetah running blades from Össur and early medals sparking many interesting conversations. 

The Dean tried her hand at sledge hockey under the careful supervision of Naomi Adie from the Peterborough Phantoms Para Ice Hockey Club.

Family Fun Day ‘Incredible Me’

The NPHT Team had a great day with all of the families at ‘Incredible Me’ Day, filled with crafts and activities celebrating diversity. Here’s a participant with a Paralympic torch.

Iain Dawson, Sydney 2000 Paralympian and his racing tandem. Iain is a visually impaired multi-sport athlete. He competed at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in track and road cycling events.

Film maker Ella Glendinings created an inspiring video for display at the exhibition. Check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi3Vb9GcK8o

Watch this space for early next year, as the Paralympic Heritage exhibition will travel to Bradford for their next Paralympic Heritage stories exhibition.

Manchester, Bradford, Bath and London before being permanently installed in the new Stoke Mandeville Heritage Centre.

PARA 1

The Dean tried her hand at sledge hockey under the careful supervision of Naomi Adie from the Peterborough Phantoms Para Ice Hockey Club.

 
para 2

Family Fun Day ‘Incredible Me’

The NPHT Team had a great day with all of the families at ‘Incredible Me’ Day, filled with crafts and activities celebrating diversity. Here’s a participant with a Paralympic torch.

para 4PARA 3

Iain Dawson, Sydney 2000 Paralympian and his racing tandem. Iain is a visually impaired multi-sport athlete. He competed at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in track and road cycling events.

Film maker Ella Glendinings created an inspiring video for display at the exhibition. Check it out here:

 

Watch this space for early next year, as the Paralympic Heritage exhibition will travel to Bradford for their next Paralympic Heritage stories exhibition.

Manchester, Bradford, Bath and London before being permanently installed in the new Stoke Mandeville Heritage Centre.