Paralympic torch begins journey to Paris at its English home

A ceremony to light the Paralympic flame has taken place in the British village of Stoke Mandeville, which is known as the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. The event took place on Saturday, ahead of the opening of the Paris Paralympics on Wednesday.

Games for disabled athletes were first held in 1948 in Stoke Mandeville, where a hospital treated soldiers wounded during World War Two. The activities were held as part of rehabilitation efforts and later became the Paralympic games. Torchbearers will carry the 12 divided flames to 50 cities across France and the flames will become one in Paris, on the opening day of the Games. The Paralympic Games will last 12 days, ending on September 8.