The ABC’s nightly coverage, which will be hosted by Gerry Collins, from August 16-22 will showcase Australia’s leading Paralympic swimming talent to the nation in prime time in what promises to be the biggest and best multi-class swimming event in the lead up to the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) chief executive Jason Hellwig said the ABC’s commitment to broadcasting the IPC World Swimming Championships was consistent with the growth of Paralympic sport and Australia’s ever-growing desire to watch more of it.

"What the APC has noted from hosting events such as the Wheelchair Rugby Four Nations Tournament is that Australians love Paralympic sport and want to see it more and more," he said.

"The ABC’s coverage of the IPC Swimming World Championships is another great step forward in sharing Paralympic sport with the country and building more public awareness of the outstanding achievements of our Paralympic athletes.

"I’m delighted that Australians are being given more opportunity to watch Paralympic sport, I’m sure they will be right behind our swimmers as they go up against the best in the world."

At the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, the Australian Paralympic swimming team won 29 medals, the most of any sport for Australia, and placed sixth overall in the swimming competition.

The team in Eindhoven be led by arm-amputee Matt Cowdrey who, with five gold and three silver medals, was the most successful competitor at the Beijing Games.

The dual-Paralympian now holds eight Paralympic gold medals and looks set to surpass track and field athlete Tim Sullivan’s 10 gold to become Australia’s most successful Paralympian ever.

Australia’s other major performer in Beijing was cerebral palsy swimmer Peter Leek who stepped out from under Cowdrey’s shadow of gold, to make his mark with three gold, four silver and one bronze medals.

With 659 athletes from 55 countries due to compete in Eindhoven from August 16-22, the Championships look set to receive record media coverage, with unprecedented exposure in Britain thanks to Channel 4, the official broadcaster of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Brazilian and Spanish broadcasters will also be in Eindhoven covering the event. Broadcasters will be supported by the IPC's official internet channel www.ParalympicSport.TV that will stream live competition daily.


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