Origami cranes being made in Bucks as symbol of good luck to Paralympians
They are being made ahead of tomorrow's Paralympic Heritage Flame Lighting Ceremony
Last updated 18th Aug 2021
Origami cranes are being created in Buckinghamshire today (18 August) as a symbol of good luck to athletes ahead of the Paralympics.
They are being made by Stoke Mandeville Hospital's National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) staff, patients and family members.
According to an ancient Japanese legend, if anyone folds a thousand paper cranes they will be granted good luck by the gods.
It comes ahead of tomorrow's Paralympic Heritage Flame Lighting Ceremony at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, which is part of the five-day-long official Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay.
This year’s Team GB sports stars with a link to the NSIC include:
-Nathan Maguire who will be competing as a T54 wheelchair racer in 400 and 800 metre events and the 4x100m relay
-Martin Rooke in badminton
-Ben Pritchard and Lauren Rowles in rowing
-Issy Bailey in shooting
-Jim Palmer in basketball
-Jon Coggan and Chris Ryan in rugby.
Stoke Mandeville is the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement.
Allison Graham, spinal consultant at the NSIC said:
"It’s wonderful to watch people we have supported go on to compete against the very best in the world.
"We’re incredibly proud and inspired by their level of training, commitment and determination.
"We hope our current patients may be inspired to take up a sport as part of their rehabilitation programme - it may lead them to Paris in 2024 or LA in 2028."
Neil Macdonald, Trust Chief Executive Officer, added:
"After a year like no other, the Trust is keen to support a Paralympics Games like no other.
"This year especially our staff in the NSIC and across the entire Trust can identify with and appreciate the passion, resolve and determination of our Paralympic athletes to dig deep and perform to the very best of their ability.
"We thank them for the opportunity the Games provides to collectively cheer and applaud their efforts.
"We wish all Paralympians who carry Professor Guttmann’s legacy forward, the very best of luck at the Games."