The official broadcaster of Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the ABC, has revealed its extensive multi-platform coverage, including an array of documentaries, special presentations and specially-themed programming to complement the comprehensive sports coverage.
Some of the ABC’s iconic programs, including Australian Story, Catalyst and even Playschool will join in the spirit of the Games, relaying stories and information about the service personnel taking part and why the Invictus Games is so important.
The ABC is investing its news resources through its television and radio networks to keep its widespread audiences up to date with events and personal stories of some of the 500 competitors from 18 nations taking part, and nightly wrap-up and entertainment programs are set to bring audiences closer to the action, competitors and values of the Invictus Games.
‘Unbreakable’ theme song
ABC has chosen as its theme song for its coverage the new Birds of Tokyo single ‘Unbreakable’, the Australian band’s first release in two years. They will perform ‘Unbreakable’ as part of their set at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Closing Ceremony.
The centrepiece of the ABC’s schedule, released this week, will be a rolling broadcast stream on ABC iView of the 11 medal sports contested at Sydney 2018. However, to whet the appetite, ABC will kick off with a gripping episode of Australian Story on 15 October, in which Special Forces Sniper Team Commander and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 competitor, Garry Robinson, relays his experience surviving a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2010 in which a number of his friends were killed. This special episode follows his recovery, including the crucial role played by his family.
The following day, on ABC and ABC iView, Fighting Spirit – The Wheeling Diggers’ Invictus Games Dream will go behind the scenes to tell the moving story of the formation of the Australian Defence Force wheelchair rugby team, a group united by physical and mental hardships and their determination to remain ‘unconquered’ through the universal language of sport.
On 18 October, ABC and ABC iView will screen the first of two parts of Without Limits, an observational documentary about an ambitious 1000 kilometre expedition by wounded Australian and British veterans across Western Australia’s remote Kimberley, culminating in a meeting with HRH The Duke of Sussex.
Invictus Games 2018 coverage begins Saturday 20 October
ABC’s coverage of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 starts on Saturday 20 October, with the Opening Ceremony, broadcast live from the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House. A nightly one-hour wrap, presented by Amanda Shalala and Niav Owens, begins the next day, followed shortly afterwards by a special episode of You Can’t Ask That, in which former and current members of the Australian Invictus Games team respond to some of the questions the public may have felt too scared to ask.
Invictus Games Today, a lively half-hour show broadcast live from the sporting precinct at Sydney Olympic Park, will capture the spirit of the Games, including a round-up of results and achievements, plus features on competitors, family members and friends who support them.
The show is to be hosted by Chris Bath, Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann, Paralympian Dylan Alcott and former Invictus Games competitor Damien Thomlinson, as well as a rotating team of current Invictus Games Sydney 2018 competitors, military personnel, mental health professionals and sports experts, as well as some surprise familiar faces.
ABC Kids and ABC ME programming will highlight stories of interest to young audiences, including the benefits of participating in sport and the importance of helping those in need.
The ABC’s specialised programming and extensive sports coverage will also be showcased across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, including live streaming and highlights packages. With cross-posting to the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 social channels.