Paralympic flame lit

STOKE MANDEVILLE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: A general view of the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit on August 28, 2012 in Stoke Mandeville, England. The Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit was the birthplace of what is now the Paralympic Games. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Buckinghamshire, Aug 29 (IANS): The London Paralympic flame was ignited in Stoke Mandeville village prior to the 24-hour torch relay.

Up to 3,000 people attended the ceremony at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the spiritual home of the Paralympic movement, to witness the flame and the start of the relay on Tuesday night, reports Xinhua.

The London Paralympic Games, from Aug 29 to Sep 9, will bring together 4,200 athletes from 166 countries to compete in 503 medal events across 20 sports.