Today we observe the 122nd birth anniversary of neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttmann who founded the Paralympic games. On this occasion, google doodle honors the father of the Paralympic movement with an illustration made by Baltimore based gues artist Ashanti Fortson.
With Olympic games just around the corner, Google doodle “celebrates the 122nd birthday of Jewish, German-born British Neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig ‘Poppa’ Guttmann, founder of Paralympic movement,” read website.
It's because of Sir Guttmann’s efforts that today paralympic athletes are acknowledged for their skills and achievements. Paralympics Games promote the rights and independence of people with disabilities for fair treatment and opportunity.
Born on July 3, 1899, in Tost, Guttmann was forced to leave Germany during Nazi rule. In 1939, Guttmann one of the top neurosurgeons of Germany at that time escaped to England with his family.
In 1948, when he was the head of the spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Guttmann organized an archery competition for wheelchair users, which later came to be known as the Stoke Mandeville Games. This was the first effort in breaking down barriers of disability for sports, which later evolved into Paralympic games.
In 1960, the Stoke Mandeville games attracted global attention and became international. It witnessed the participation of about 400 athletes with disabilities from across the world.
Sir Ludwig Guttmann was knighted by Britain’s queen. He passed away on March 18, 1980.