The Paralympic Games were created by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann back in 1948 at the Stokes Mandeville Hospital for returning WWII British Soldier with spinal cord and various injuries. There were only 16 competitors. That was 64 years ago. In 2012 there will be 4200 competitors taking part in the Paralympics from all over the world. This year it will include North Korea and the conflict torn Democratic Republic of Congo. The London event could be the Paralympic Movement's first sold out Games in terms of spectators along with a record number of TV viewers according to Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee. There is still a challenge educating people especially Americans who are unaware of the Paralympics (not to be confused with Special Olympics). Paralympians do not have cognitive issues only physical. For the Blind Judo Foundation this means our athletes competing on the world stage are blind or visually impaired. Check out the Blind Judo Foundation for more on this amazing sport suited for the blind and visually impaired.