Invictus Games Sydney 2018
20 – 27 October
ABC names Chris Bath to host nightly primetime program.
Game on Down Under! The ABC is thrilled to announce that broadcaster Chris Bath will return to screens around Australia as the host of nightly entertainment program Invictus Games Today , to air during the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
The primetime show will be broadcast out of the Invictus Games precinct at Sydney Olympic Park. Invictus 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 our main channel, on ABC iview and on our international television channel ABC Australia, throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Chris, who also hosts Evenings on ABC Radio Sydney, will be joined by co-host Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann and panelists Dylan Alcott from triple j 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 sport experts, and some surprise familiar faces.
Chris said: “I’m excited and proud to be part of ABC’s Invictus Games Sydney 2018 coverage as host of Invictus Games Today and teaming up with “Lehmo”, Dylan and Damien . 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.”
David Anderson, ABC Director of Entertainment & Specialist, said: “As the official broadcaster of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the ABC will bring together communities across Australia 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 Invictus 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.”
The Invictus 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 Invictus Games-inspired programming.
Other content highlights include:
Fighting Spirit – The Wheeling Diggers’ Invictus Dream : An inspiring one-hour documentary following the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Wheelchair Rugby Team from trials to competition.
You Can’t Ask That – Invictus Games : A special series of six five-minute episodes of the ABC original format featuring former and current members of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games team.
Australian Story : The remarkable story of Special Forces Sniper Team Commander Garry Robinson and Invictus 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.
THE INVICTUS GAMES
The inaugural Invictus Games, created by HRH, The Duke of Sussex, was held in London in September 2014.
The Duke was inspired to establish the Invictus Games after witnessing the US Warrior Games in 2013. Seeing the positive impact of sport physically, psychologically and socially, he was determined to create an international multi-sport event.
The Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for defence personnel who are striving to overcome physical and emotional challenges. They recognise the significant contribution made by family and friends in the recovery process and seek to motivate and inspire the competitors - and all who strive to triumph over adversity.
