We’re all being beaten over the head with reminders about and coverage of the regular Olympics. They start soon, in case you haven’t heard. But the Paralympics, as usual, aren’t getting nearly the time and space. So since we know a few people going over to compete and because these things need all the publicity they can get, this is us doing our part.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has released some details about the kind of online and broadcast coverage that will be available for the games. A few highlights from the press release:
OTTAWA, July 23, 2012 – Now it will be easier than ever to follow your Canadian Paralympic Team as they strive for gold in London, August 29 to September 9, 2012!
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce its broadcast agreement with Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium and its partners to provide Canadian coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games – in addition to the live, up-to-the minute Team Canada results, photos, videos, schedules and news that will be available on www.paralympic.ca every day of the Games.
For the first time in history, Canadians can watch live multiple online streams of Paralympic Summer Games throughout the 12 days of competition. The four digital streams will offer a total of 580 hours of live coverage. Three feeds will offer daily uninterrupted coverage of swimming, wheelchair basketball, and athletics, while the fourth channel will cover a range of sports and a will show a “best of” coverage from the day. All digital channels can be accessed from www.Paralympic.ca, www.CTVParalympics.ca and www.RDSOlympiques.ca.
In addition to the live streaming, the Consortium’s digital coverage also includes a comprehensive video on demand and Paralympic news library available online and via mobile platforms.
Daily highlights will be broadcast from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST showcasing the day’s performances, medal winners, athlete interviews and event features. Complete coverage of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will also be available on several networks including TSN2, Sportsnet One, RDS, and RDS2. A complete television broadcast schedule will be published in August.
Additionally, two of the features from the Consortium’s “Difference Makers” series will feature Paralympians. Hosted by Rick Hansen (English) and Chantal Petitclerc (French), the series asks elite athletes to reveal inspiring stories of those who made a difference in their lives.
Supporting the online streaming and television broadcast initiatives will be athlete biographies, competition updates, results and photos on both www.paralympic.ca, www.CTVParalympics.ca and www.RDSolympiques.ca.
Canadians can also stay connected to the Paralympic Games through the CPC’s Twitter and Facebook accounts (@CDNParalympics and www.facebook.com/CDNParalympics)
The Team Canada Today Newsletter will be produced and available for download on the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s website each and every day of the Games. Users can sign up for the newsletter distribution here.