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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 2d

5 months to go!❄️

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will mark 50yrs since the first Paralympic Winter Games!

Hackney-born Mike Brace, was selected as one of just six skiers on the British team!

🎿 Find out more about Mike here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/mike-brace

🏛️🎓♿

Paralympian Mike Brace is pictured wearing a white sports bib with the number 55 on it, black sunglasses and a white headband. He wears thick gloves and a multicoloured tracksuit top and holds ski poles in his hands.

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 5d

📢 Celebrating 10rs of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust!

To our incredible community of Paralympians, partners, funders & friends - thank you. We can't wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the next 10yrs and beyond.

More here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/celebra...
🏛️🎓♿

Collections items relating to Jean Stone on display.

Guests at the 10th birthday reception in London

Paralympians Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Martin McElhatton.

Paralympians Lora Fachie OBE and Darren Harris.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 8d

Want to help us on our mission to protect and preserve our incredible Paralympic heritage?

Follow us, share our posts, and donate if you can at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/donate

🏛️🎓♿

@sportingheritage.bsky.social #NSHD #CollectionsAtRisk

A black and white image of one of our trainees listing the contents of one of our archive boxes.
Gold text over the top reads:
'Help us to preserve and protect Paralympic history.
Donate today at www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/donate

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 8d

It's a constant challenge for us to raise the vital funds to catalogue and store these unique collections, each one significant to the history of the Paralympic Movement and its pioneers.

Without us, the only dedicated Paralympic museum, tens of thousands of items may have been lost.
♿

A black and white image of some our archive boxes on shelving units, with gold text over the top which reads:
'Preserving history take time, care and funding.
and we're the only museum dedicated entirely to Paralympic heritage'.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 8d

In May 2023, our archives consisted of 104 collections, each one varying from just one item to hundreds of items.

2 years on, that's grown to 155 collections - an increase of 50% of what we'd acquired in our first 6 to 7 years - and forever growing!

🏛️🎓

A black and white image of athlete Margaret Maughan, firing an arrow in archery. On top there is gold text which reads:
'From 104 to 155 unique collections in just 2 years.
Each one telling stories that might otherwise have been lost.'

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 23d

We'd love to hear what other organisations in the sector are doing to ensure inclusion in the workplace, so please do share with us!

#NowIsTheTime 🏛️🎓♿

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 23d

This involved a focus on 'Diversifying the Workforce', providing a number of work placement opportunities and four part-time paid museum traineeships, over 3 years.

The impact has been clear, not only in the opportunities created, but in the learning and growth we’ve experienced as an organisation.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · 23d

The NPHT is proud to champion truly inclusive workplaces.

In 2023, we launched our 'becoming seamlessly inclusive' strategy which included a programme which sought to address a distinct lack of employment opportunities for disabled people in our local area. ♿

#ParalympicHeritage #NIW2025 🏛️🎓

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Sep 6

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lewis MBE, a true pioneer in Paralympic sport and a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion.

Our thoughts are with his family.

Read our full tribute to Philip’s remarkable life here: 👉 www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/philip-...

A black and white photograph of Philip Lewis playing table tennis at Stoke Mandeville in 1963. He is in a wheelchair wearing a dark polo shirt and black rimmed glasses. He holds the table tennis racket in his right hand.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Sep 2

#OnThisDay in 2012, the @paralympicsgb.bsky.social mixed coxed four brought home gold at Dorney.

Adaptive rower Naomi Riches MBE shared her incredible memories of race day here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/naomi-riches

#Rowing #Paralympics @britishrowing.bsky.social @britishblindsport.org.uk

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 29

The London 2012 Paralympics opened #OnThisDay 13 years ago, in the stadium which would stage so many unforgettable moments!

Here, Eva Loeffler describes the atmosphere when Jonnie Peacock raced in the Men's T44 100m final.

Full oral history here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history...

♿🏛️🎓

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 26

👑 A Royal Telegram 👑

Joan Scruton's contribution to the Paralympic Movement is clear and her decades of dedication didn’t go unnoticed. On 19 April 1988, hearing of her retirement, the then Prince Charles sent Joan a personal telegram (pictured).

More amazing items to come! #MuseumCollection ♿🏛️🎓

A telegram which reads: "I have just heard that you are retiring, 44 years after you started as personal secretary to Sir Ludwig Guttmann and having been Director/Secretary General of the British Paraplegic Sports Society since its formation. This is a marvellous record of service to an immensely worthwhile cause and I send you my warmest good wishes for a very happy retirement. Charles."

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 20

Our volunteers are vital to the work we do.

Volunteer Helen says: "I love having the chance to encourage interest in local history and...show why & how we can help everyone to feel accepted, valued and safe."

Read her story at: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/volunteer-stories-part-2

♿🏛️🎓

Gold text says, volunteer stories, part two. The text is placed in front of a black and white image of 4 NPHT volunteers and staff member Emily, with graham, the tallest volunteer standing behind the others. They all wear NPHT branded black an white polo shirts and are pictured inside a stadium.

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Reposted by Paralympic Heritage

Buckinghamshire Archives @bucksarchives.bsky.social · Jun 19

It's #SportandFashion month so we thought we'd share some amazing photos from the Winter Paralympics in 1992. These are preserved in our archive for future generations to marvel at.

From just one quick look at these garish patterns and bright colours you could have worked out the year immediately.

The Australian team at the 1992 Winter Paralympic Games opening ceremony. They are wearing a greenish blue uniform with a yellow and pink angular design on the front. They're all wearing black cowboy hats as well for some reason.

An unknown team relaxing behind a red string fence. Snow is coming down quite heavily, but it's not heavy enough to obscure what they're wearing: hats, ski goggles, patterned jackets that have a series of yellow and pink stars on them, and trousers in such a bright yellow that they could pierce through a snowstorm. One of them is having a smoke.

Various skiers, two on monoskis, posing for the camera. One of them is a British monoskier, the rest are sadly unknown. They are wearing purple, blue, and black uniforms with black and white helmets. Behind them, two women are wearing green jackets, one with a red cap.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 18

#OnThisDay in 1996, the Atlanta Paralympics were underway and @paralympicsgb.bsky.social Marc Woods took a bronze and two silver medals in the swimming pool!

In an oral history, Marc told us how he overcame nerves to succeed!

🎧 Listen in full here: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/oral-history...
♿🏛️🎓

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 14

Hi Lucy, the fee was calculated at 4 days of work at £300/day.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 14

1 year ago we launched the Disability Sports Catalogue with
@bucksarchives.bsky.social, ‘a huge milestone for Paralympic heritage’ said Natalia Dannenberg-Spreier of @paralympics.org.♿🏛️🎓

Explore the 35,000 items now searchable online: archives.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/disabilitysp...

#OnThisDay

A scan of a copy of the 1950 Summer edition of the publication 'The Cord'. It shows three photographs and some accompanying article text about the design of the Jack Cross folding chair.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 11

The aim is for this self-guided resource to be used by KS2 teachers to deepen student engagement in the museum galleries, and in the rich disability sport heritage that they celebrate. ♿

To explore the Global Virtual Museum, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/global-virtu...

An image of an interactive 3d model of a prosthetic leg, from inside the Global Virtual Museum

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 11

📢 We’re Hiring! 📢

Role: Learning Consultant 🏛️🎓
Aim: To develop an accessible, curriculum-based, KS2 resource for our Global Virtual Museum.

Project Dates: Sept to Nov
Budget: £1,200
Apply by: Friday 29th August 2025

For more info & to apply, visit: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/news/learnin...

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 4

This #CowesWeek we're following the progress of 'Stride Forward', crewed by a team living with life-changing injuries, and racing throughout the week.

Following in Mike Hendra's slipstream - we're behind you all the way!

www.strideforward.org.uk/post/stride-...

Stride Forward Launches at Cowes Week 2025

Join us at Cowes Week 2025 as Stride Forward launches at one of the most iconic sailing events in the world. Our crew will be racing throughout the week, and we’re hosting a special launch event - fin...

www.strideforward.org.uk

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 4

Sailing was first included in the 1996 Atlanta @paralympics.org as a demonstration sport. Mike Hendra, pictured here towards the stern, was one of the athletes. ⛵

A lack of worldwide sailing participation has seen it omitted from recent Games, but hopes are that it could make a return in 2032. ♿🏛️🎓

Mike Hendra is pictured sailing at the 1996 Atlanta Games with another athlete in a boat with a wooden deck. Mike sits in the rear of the boat, his left hand steering and his right hand on the sails. He wears a long-sleeved Navy blue tracksuit top. His teammate is wearing a greyish cap and a long-sleeved white and green top with a navy blue body warmer on top.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Aug 1

#OnThisDay in 1984, the Paralympic Games came to a close at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.

The British team was made up of 156 men & 68 women, winning a total of 107 Gold, 112 Silver and 112 Bronze medals.

For more about the 1984 Paralympics: www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/stoke-mandev...

#MuseumEd ♿

A group picture of the British Paralympic team. Many of them are seated, with some standing towards the back. Some wheelchairs are visible towards the front, but are hidden in the crowd in the rows behind. All athletes wear black trousers, and a white tracksuit top with red pin stripes and red arms.

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Jul 29

Check out our new animated logo - courtesy of Andy Scott at PhotoHello (photohello.co.uk). Based locally, Andy offers photo and video services and very kindly carried out this work for us pro bono.

Thanks Andy - we love it! 💛

Thanks to Rachel Gadsden for her original design!

Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Jul 28

We're delighted to share that our Collections Engagement Officer Dr. @sambrady.bsky.social has been awarded the 2025 @socialhistory.bsky.social Pamela Cox Public History Prize for the 'Story of the Games' - his very first public exhibition. 🏆

Well done Sam! 👏

♿🏛️🎓

Sam and Emily are pictured installing the exhibition. They both lean against a ladder. A text graphic reads 'Dr Samuel Goldstone Brady, Pamela Cox Public History Prize.

A close up of the Cord Journal for Paraplegics in the display. It reads, 'beginning as a way for patients to alleviate boredom on the wards, The Cord, captures disabled people's reflections about life, politics, and sport.

An image of the interior of the exhibition space, made up of lots of wooden shelves and with a tiled floor.

A picture of Sam smiling in front of the exhibit.

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Paralympic Heritage @paraheritage.bsky.social · Jul 25

Thanks for sharing in some of our favourite moments from the last 10 years. 💛 A big thank you to all of you who've supported us over the years.🙏

Here's a few pics from our birthday celebrations - a fitting tribute to a decade well done! 🎂

#ThankYou #NPHT10Years ♿🏛️🎓

Two guests enjoy a Boccia match in the sports hall at Stoke Mandeville. Both are seated in wheelchairs and wearing wite polo shirts.

Two guests ponder what to write on post-it notes when asked to sum up their experience with NPHT in 3 words.

Guests are seated in order to watch a short film and listen to our keynote speakers.

A cake cutting moment with Diane Hands wearing a floral pink dress and dark pink blazer, and Paralympian John Harris wearing a navy blue long-sleeved polo shirt.

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