The Paralympic flame has its own history and ritual.
Unlike the Olympic flame, the Paralympic flame does not start in Athens due to the distinct history and specific values of the Paralympic Games. While the modern Olympic Games have their roots in ancient Greece, with Athens symbolizing the cradle of Olympism, the Paralympic Games have a different origin, reflecting another dimension.
To understand, we must understand the creation of these Games. Indeed, the Paralympic Games were born in the aftermath of the Second World War, with the first edition held in 1948 in Stoke Mandeville, England. These games were initially intended for disabled war veterans, to offer them an opportunity for rehabilitation and sporting competition. This historical context gives the Paralympic Games a unique identity, distinct from that of the Olympic Games. Thus, the Paralympic flame does not need to refer to Athens, because it draws its symbolism from a journey and a history that are unique to it.
Each Paralympic Games host country has the opportunity to create a lighting ritual that reflects its own culture, while paying tribute to the Paralympic athletes. For Paris 2024, once lit in Stoke Mandeville, the Flame will also cross the sea but this time via the Channel Tunnel which will mark the start of the relay. 24 English athletes will symbolically begin the crossing of the tunnel and will be joined halfway between the United Kingdom and France by 24 French athletes. For 4 days, from 25 to 28 August 2024, some 1,000 Scouts will carry the Paralympic Flame in around fifty cities, spread across all regions of France.