August 1 - Shaun Giles (pictured), who has been a reporter and producer for 17 years with ABC, has been recruited as the new communications and multimedia manager of the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC), it has been announced.



Giles worked as a reporter and producer in its Sydney, Brisbane and Perth newsrooms and was part of the ABC’s coverage of three Paralympic Games.

He presented the ABC’s Winter Paralympic Games programmes in Vancouver 2010 and Turin 2006, and covered the athletics at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing during the ABC’s award winning coverage of the 2008 Paralympic Games – the largest by any Paralympic Games broadcaster in the world.
 
APC chief executive Jason Hellwig claimed Giles’ vast knowledge of Paralympic sport and his extensive background in the broadcast media will add experience and further strength to the APC’s Communications division.

"Having worked with Shaun at past Paralympic Games, we know he is an outstanding operator and we couldn’t think of anyone better to take this newly-created role and make it a success," Hellwig said.

"The APC is committed to increasing the level of quality media coverage of Paralympic athletes and Paralympic sport, because we know there is a high demand for it from the Australian public.

"The addition of Shaun to our Communications team will provide us with more opportunity to deliver those great Paralympic stories, and engage more with Australians as they continue to support our Paralympians in growing numbers."

In his new role, Giles will help drive the APC’s Communications operations and will focus strongly on building its presence in the broadcast and online media.

He will also play an important role in the media operations of the Australian Paralympic team at the London Games in 2012.
 
"The APC plays a very important role in Australian sport and I’m really excited about the direction it is heading," said Giles, who is due to take up his new role on August 16.

"It’s an innovative organisation with a clear vision and the opportunity to get involved in some of the tremendous things the APC is doing was just too good to pass up.

"With London 2012 on the horizon, I see such huge opportunity for Paralympic sport in Australia and can’t wait to make a significant contribution as part of the APC team.

"Having worked at three Paralympic Games, it is hard not to be inspired by Paralympic athletes and their abilities."