This lesson plan explores the inspiring true story behind the creation of the Paralympic Games, as depicted in the 2012 TV movie “The Best of Men.” The film chronicles the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who revolutionized the treatment of spinal cord injuries and laid the foundation for what would become the Paralympic movement.
Historical Context
In 1943, Dr. Guttmann arrived at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire, England, where he encountered a ward of paralyzed servicemen who were essentially being left to die. Challenging the prevailing medical attitudes of the time, Dr. Guttmann introduced innovative rehabilitation techniques that focused on restoring his patients’ dignity, purpose, and physical ability.
Lesson Outline
Part 1: The Best of Men – Film Analysis and Themes
- read the following article from The Guardian, which provides a review of the BBC drama “The Best of Men” based on Dr. Guttmann’s story: The Guardian
Background and Introduction of the Movie
“The Best of Men” is a 2012 BBC television drama that brings Dr. Guttmann’s inspiring story to life. Directed by Tim Whitby and written by Lucy Gannon, the film stars Eddie Marsan as Dr. Guttmann. It portrays his arrival at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and his efforts to transform the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The drama features strong performances from Eddie Marsan as the determined Dr. Guttmann, with Rob Brydon and George MacKay playing memorable patients whose lives are changed by his innovative care. The film not only showcases Guttmann’s medical breakthroughs but also depicts the birth of the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948, which would evolve into the Paralympic Games.”The Best of Men” originally aired on BBC Two on August 16, 2012, coinciding with the London Olympics and just before the Paralympics that year. It received positive reviews for its uplifting story and timely celebration of the Paralympic movement’s origins.
Watch the Movie
See the trailer here:
- Summary: Discuss the key events and characters portrayed in the film:
- Dr. Guttmann’s arrival at Stoke Mandeville
- His unconventional methods and conflicts with traditional medical practices
- The introduction of sports as rehabilitation
- The organization of the first Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948
- Character Study: Analyze the portrayal of Dr. Guttmann and his patients, focusing on their personal growth and the challenges they overcome.
- Key Themes Exploration:
- Resilience and Perseverance: Discuss how patients overcome physical and psychological challenges.
- Innovation in Medical Treatment: Examine Dr. Guttmann’s revolutionary approach and impact.
- Dignity and Self-Worth: Analyze the film’s portrayal of restoring dignity to paralyzed patients.
- The Transformative Power of Sport: Explore how sports contribute to rehabilitation and personal development.
- Leadership and Vision: Discuss Dr. Guttmann’s leadership qualities and their impact.
- Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination: Examine societal attitudes towards disability depicted in the film.
Part 2: The Birth of the Paralympic Movement
- Timeline: Create a chronological overview of events from the first Stoke Mandeville Games to the first official Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960.
- Evolution: Discuss how the Paralympic movement has grown and evolved since its inception, focusing on changing attitudes towards disability and inclusion.
Part 3: Modern Paralympics and Inspiring Athletes
- Athlete Spotlight: Highlight inspiring Paralympians; see examples below.
- Discussion: Encourage students to research and present on other Paralympic athletes who embody the themes of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming prejudice.
Activities
- Research Project: Assign groups to investigate different Paralympic sports and present their findings, focusing on how these sports contribute to athletes’ mental and emotional well-being.
- Debate: Organize a discussion on the evolution of societal attitudes towards disability from the 1940s to the present day.
- Essay Writing: Ask students to write an essay on how the Paralympic movement has contributed to changing perceptions of disability and promoting inclusion.
Conclusion
Reflect on Dr. Guttmann’s legacy and how his work inspires and empowers athletes with disabilities worldwide. Emphasize the ongoing importance of inclusivity, equal opportunities, and recognizing the inherent worth of all individuals in sports and society.
Examples of heroes.
- Laurent Chardard is a French para swimmer who competes in the S6 classification after losing both arms and a leg in a 2011 shark attack on Réunion Island. Despite this life-changing event, Chardard has achieved remarkable success in Paralympic sports. He won a bronze medal in the men’s 50m butterfly S6 event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (2021). He later secured a gold medal in the same event at the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, Portugal. Chardard’s journey from surviving a shark attack to becoming a Paralympic medalist exemplifies extraordinary resilience and determination in adversity.
- Beatrice “Bebe” Vio (Italy): Beatrice Vio is a well-known Italian wheelchair fencer. Her story of overcoming meningitis and becoming a Paralympic champion is widely reported. She has won gold medals in wheelchair fencing at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
- Ntando Mahlangu (South Africa): Ntando Mahlangu is a South African Paralympic athlete. He competes in sprinting and long jump events. The information about his condition (hemimelia) and his gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the long jump and 200m sprint are consistent with reports about his achievements.
- Oksana Masters (USA): Oksana Masters is a multi-sport Paralympian who has competed in both summer and winter games. Her background of being born in Ukraine with birth defects and later being adopted by an American family is well-documented. She has won medals in various sports, including rowing, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
- Markus Rehm (Germany): Markus Rehm, known as the “Blade Jumper,” is a German Paralympic long jumper. As a teenager, he lost his right leg below the knee in an accident. Rehm has set world records in the event, and there have been discussions about his prosthetic potentially providing an advantage in competitions.
