The ABC has announced the hosts of its nightly entertainment program lnvictus Games Today, to air during the lnvictus Games Sydney 2018.
Broadcaster Chris Bath will return to screens around Australia as the host and she will be joined by co-host Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann, panelists Dylan Alcott from triple j and former lnvictus Games competitor Damien Thomlinson, as well as a rotating team of current lnvictus Games Sydney 2018 competitors, military personnel, mental health professionals and sport experts, and some surprise familiar faces.
The primetime show will be broadcast out of the lnvictus Games precinct at Sydney Olympic Park. lnvictus Games Today will be a lively half-hour that captures – and helps create – the spirit of the Games, delivering a nightly roundup of results and achievements.
The program will be broadcast on ABC’s main channel, on ABC iview and on the international television channel ABC Australia, throughout Asia and the Pacific.
“I’m excited and proud to be part of ABC’s lnvictus Games Sydney 2018 coverage as host of lnvictus Games Today and teaming up with “Lehmo”, Dylan and Damien,” said Chris.
“It’s a chance for us to showcase the best of humanity and in the process be inspired. I’m looking forward to meeting the remarkable competitors, their familes and friends and sharing their stories,” she said.
David Anderson, ABC Director of Entertainment & Specialist said the ABC will bring communities across Australia together to celebrate the strength and spirit of our wounded, injured or ill service men and women.
“The ABC will broadcast 100 hours of live, original and curated ABC content – from lnvictus Game Today to news reports, documentaries, children’s programs and live coverage of the events – that will inform, entertain and inspire audiences leading up to and during the eight days of competition,” said Mr Anderson.
The lnvictus Games Sydney 2018 will be held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour, from October 20- 27.
Around 500 competitors from 18 nations will take part in 11 adaptive sports: archery, athletics, indoor rowing, a driving challenge, powerlifting, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. The Games will also feature a wheelchair tennis competition and a golf event for competitors, their families and friends.
During the Games, the ABC will have multi-platform coverage across our scheduled radio and TV programs as well as on ABC NEWS TV and radio channels and on our digital channels. The Games will be streamed live on ABC iview and on the ABC YouTube channel.
As well as bringing the action to Australians, the ABC will share the remarkable stories of the competitors through bespoke content across sport, science, health, children’s and arts programming. Highlights will include live events streamed across all platforms, including the opening and closing ceremonies, and a slate of original lnvictus Games-inspired programming.
Other content highlights include:
Fighting Spirit – The Wheeling Diggers· lnvictus Dream: An inspiring one hour documentary following the 2018 Australian lnvictus Games Wheelchair Rugby Team from trials to competition.
You Can’t Ask That- lnvictus Games: A special series of six five-minute episodes of the ABC original format featuring former and current members of the 2018 Australian lnvictus Games team.
Australian Story. The remarkable story of Special Forces Sniper Team Commander Garry Robinson and lnvictus Games competitor, who survived a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2010. This special episode follows his recovery, including the crucial role played by his family.
The full programming slate will be announced closer to the Games.