Written by Dr. Steve Bailey, an internationally recognized sports historian, Athlete First: A History of the Paralympic Movement examines the beginnings, achievements and events that shaped the Paralympic Games as he parallels the sport to the Olympic Movement and other able-bodied sports.
In addition to a unique historical account of this Movement, Athlete First establishes key players in administration and sports politics, as well as athletes of each Paralympic Games from Rome in 1960 to Athens in 2004. It provides a behind-the-scenes look into the process that determines which types of disabilities and sports should be included in the Paralympic Games. The book also highlights the 2008 Paralympic Games to be held in Beijing, China.
The Paralympic Games, which are organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), were developed in 1948 by Dr. Ludwig Guttman to coincide with the London Olympic Games. Today they are considered to be on the forefront of sports for elite athletes with disabilities.
As Dr. Steve Bailey described in his book, “The Paralympic Movement is recognised as a global sporting phenomenon: a wonderful celebration of competitive physical activity that fuels dreams, encouraging many to participation and to excellence.”
Author Steve Bailey is a recognized leader in academic sports history. He currently teaches physical education and sports history at Winchester College, UK. His most recent book, Science in the Service of Physical Education and Sport, also was published by Wiley-Blackwell. Athlete First is a welcomed addition to Wiley-Blackwell’s extensive list of titles in Sport and Exercise Science.
Athlete First was commissioned by the International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education and the International Olympic Committee, and has received full support from the International Paralympic Committee. The IPC, which was formed in 1989, has a vision to promote inspiration and empowerment to all those who participate in the Movement.
For more information on the Paralympic Movement, visit http://www.paralympic.org