The XII Paralympic Games were held in Athens from 17-28 September 2004.

The origins of the Paralympic Games go back to 1944 when a spinal injuries centre was opened for former servicemen at Stoke Mandeville hospital in England, focussing on sport as a means of treating and rehabilitating people with a disability. In 1948 the Stoke Mandeville Games for athletes with a disability began on the same day as the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XIV Olympiad in London. From this the Paralympic Movement was born.

The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960 when 400 athletes from 23 countries competed in eight sports. 2004's Paralympics in Athens expected 4000 athletes from over 140 countries, competing in 19 sports.

The Vision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is "To Enable Paralympic Athletes to Achieve Sporting Excellence and Inspire and Excite the World."

You may also wish to look at our Paralympic Games 2005 image gallery and audio gallery.