Should the Paralympics and Olympics merge? As the games for athletes with disabilities begin in Tokyo today, some campaigners are insisting that they deserve to share the spotlight.

It has been 61 years since the first Paralympic Games. Four hundred athletes from 23 countries took part.

Before the Paralympics, some athletes with disabilities took part in the Olympics. Denmark's Lis Hartel, who was partially paralysed by polio, won the silver medalHartel was also the first woman to win a medal in direct competition with men. for dressageAn equestrian event which consists of putting a horse through highly disciplined manoeuvres.   in 1952 and 1956.

In this century, there has been a surge of interest in the Paralympics. Almost three million tickets were sold for the London 2012 events, while the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro attracted a TV audience of more than four billion.

Athletes have helped raise the profile of the games.

Some feel more could be done to translate the Paralympics into awareness of the challenges disabled people face.

Equal sequel?

Others worry the Paralympics would receive less attention as part of a combined event.

Should the Paralympics and Olympics merge?

Yes. It would be a big step towards people recognising those with disabilities as an integral part of society. It would also honour the para in Paralympics, which means alongside.

No. The Olympics are big enough: including the Paralympics would mean many more competitors and events. The Paralympic events would inevitably be overshadowed. It is much better for them to have a stage of their own.