National Para Day

Group of people skydiving with colorful parachutes, wearing jumpsuits, against a scenic backdrop of mountains and blue sky.. — National para day illustration

Get ready to celebrate National Para Day, a day dedicated to all things parachute-related! Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just enjoy watching others take the plunge, this is the day for you. So strap on your harness and let's dive into the history and excitement of parachuting!

When is Para Day?

It's national para day on the 1st April.

The Origins of National Para Day

Believe it or not, the origin of National Para Day can be traced back to the early days of the internet. It all started on April 1st, 2015, when a group of skydiving enthusiasts decided to create a special day to celebrate their thrilling hobby and raise awareness about the sport.

Since then, National Para Day has gained popularity online, with numerous mentions and discussions each year. People share their skydiving stories, post awe-inspiring videos of parachute jumps, and even organize events to honor this breathtaking sport.

Thrills and Chills in the Sky

Parachuting, also known as skydiving, is not for the faint of heart. It's a daring sport that involves jumping from an aircraft and freefalling before deploying a parachute to glide safely back to the ground.

Many people are drawn to the exhilaration and sense of freedom that parachuting offers. It's a chance to escape the boundaries of gravity and experience a bird's-eye view of the world below. Plus, it's one of the best ways to overcome your fear of heights!

Celebrating National Para Day

On National Para Day, skydiving enthusiasts from around the world come together to celebrate their shared passion. Whether you're an experienced skydiver or someone who's always wanted to give it a try, this day is your chance to embrace the thrill and push your limits.

Here are some ways you can celebrate National Para Day:

Take a leap of faith and try skydiving for the first time.
Organize a skydiving event with friends and family.
Donate to organizations that promote safety and awareness in the parachuting community.
Share your favorite parachute videos or photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalParaDay.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first recorded parachute jump was made by a brave soul named André-Jacques Garnerin in 1797? He jumped from a balloon over Parc Monceau in Paris, using a canvas canopy and wooden frame. Talk about being ahead of his time!

History behind the term 'Para'

1502

The Birth of 'Para'

The term 'para' originated in the 16th century when it was first used by the Spanish navy. In 1502, the Spanish navy introduced a new type of ship called 'Parao' or 'Para'. These ships were designed for exploration and trade, and were widely used by Spanish sailors during their voyages to the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The term 'Para' referred to the ship itself, and over time, it became associated with the concept of voyaging and exploration.

1732

Paratroopers Take Flight

In 1732, the concept of 'para' took on a new meaning with the development of paratroopers. The first recorded parachute jump was performed by Frenchman François Blanchard in 1785. Paratroopers became an essential part of military operations, allowing troops to be deployed quickly and stealthily behind enemy lines. The term 'para' began to be used to refer to these specialized soldiers trained in airborne operations.

1815

Paralympic Games are Established

In 1815, the term 'para' found another dimension with the establishment of the Paralympic Games. The Paralympics are a multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities. Originally known as the International Stoke Mandeville Games, the Paralympics sought to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their sporting abilities. The prefix 'para' was used to emphasize the parallel nature and equality of the Paralympic Games to the Olympic Games.

1983

The Rise of Para-athletics

In 1983, the term 'para' took on yet another meaning with the emergence of para-athletics. Para-athletics refers to athletic competitions for individuals with physical, intellectual, or visual impairments. These events provide opportunities for para-athletes to compete at various levels, including local, national, and international competitions. The prefix 'para' is used to denote the inclusive nature of the competitions, acknowledging the achievements of athletes with disabilities.