ABC unveils hosts for Paralympics

Adam Hills, Paralympic Gold Medallist Louise Sauvage, and ABC Sport presenters Karen Tighe and Steve Robilliard will front the ABC’s broadcast of the Paralympic Games in Beijing.

The ABC will deliver the biggest ever broadcast of the Paralympics, more than 100 hours on ABC1 and ABC2, beginning with the Opening Ceremony on Saturday September 6.

“We are delighted to have such a stellar team of presenters to bring ABC TV’s viewers coverage of every memorable moment experienced by Australia’s elite Paralympic athletes,” said the ABC’s Kim Dalton.

As previously reported, SBS will also share some sports with the Seven Network for the Olympic Games in August.

Press Release:

Comedian and TV presenter Adam Hills, Paralympic Gold Medallist Louise Sauvage, and ABC Sport presenters Karen Tighe and Steve Robilliard were today announced as the team to present ABC TV’s exclusive coverage of the Paralympic Games Beijing 2008.

The team will be in position to bring viewers all the excitement of the Games when they start on Saturday September 6, with the spectacular Opening Ceremony broadcast live from the National Stadium in Beijing.

“We are delighted to have such a stellar team of presenters to bring ABC TV’s viewers coverage of every memorable moment experienced by Australia’s elite Paralympic athletes,” say Kim Dalton, ABC Director of Television.

The ABC will broadcast more than 100 hours on ABC1 and ABC2 – the biggest coverage of a Paralympic Games ever.

Adam Hills is best known as host of Spicks and Specks on ABC TV, and as one of Australia’s most talented and well-travelled comedians. His positive, energetic comedy and rampant spontaneity have won him universal acclaim, rave reviews and a swag of awards throughout Australia, Great Britain, Ireland and Europe.

Louise Sauvage OAM, is one of Australia’s most popular and successful sports women. Growing up in Perth, she began racing in 1983 and was so good, she quickly rose to the top of wheelchair racing, competing in every Paralympics from 1992 to 2004. Throughout her career, she has won nine gold and four silver Paralympic medals and held numerous world records. Today Louise is retired from competition; however she remains an integral part of the Paralympic team as a coach and member of the Australian Paralympic Committee Board.

Karen Tighe has spent the last 19 years presenting sport on ABC Radio and TV. She has covered four Paralympic Games, and the Commonwealth Games for ABC Radio. In 2000 Karen was the winner of the Media Award at the 2000 Australian Sports Awards for her work presenting the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games. Karen currently presents sport for ABC TV News in Western Australia.

Steve Robilliard has been working at the ABC as a broadcaster and journalist since 1989, and has covered some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including the Paralympics, four summer Olympics, two winter Olympics, and four Commonwealth Games. Steve currently presents the Rugby in NSW and ABC’s national bowls coverage.