Past Summer Paralympic Torch Relay highlights

Sydney 2000

The Paralympic Flame was lit during an indigenous lighting ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra, in the presence of the Australian Prime Minister. The Flame was transported by plane to each of Australia’s state capitals, and a total of 920 Torchbearers carried the Flame.

Athens 2004

The Paralympic Flame was lit in the Hephaestus Temple in Athens. Hephaestus was the Greek god of fire and manufacturing and had a disability. The Flame was carried by 680 Torchbearers through 54 municipalities, visiting a number of historical and cultural landmarks.

Beijing 2008

The Paralympic Flame was lit in the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, before following two routes intended to capture the characters of ancient and modern China. A total of 850 Torchbearers took part along the routes, which returned to Beijing.