International Paralympic Committee hoped for "broadest" coverage of opening, closing ceremonies

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      UPDATE: CTV decides to broadcast Paralympic closing ceremony live

      A representative of the International Paralympic Committee has called CTV’s decision to broadcast the opening ceremony of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games live in B.C. a “very positive decision”.

      “Of course, we, from the beginning, had hoped for the broadest possible coverage of the opening ceremony—especially the opening ceremony because it’s such an important event to set the tone,” Alexis Schafer, the marketing and broadcasting senior manager for the IPC, told the Straight today (March 12). “But we’ve always respected CTV’s decision, and now we are looking forward that, at least in B.C., people will be able to see the coverage live.”

      CTV, the official Canadian broadcaster for the 2010 Games, initially didn’t plan to air the opening ceremony live at 6 p.m. tonight, but changed its mind after many viewers expressed outrage about the decision.

      The network still doesn't plan to provide live coverage of the closing ceremony, which will take place at the Whistler Medals Plaza on March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

      Speaking on his cellphone while making his way to the opening ceremony at B.C. Place, Schafer, a former member of Germany’s national shooting team, acknowledged that the IPC had also hoped CTV would air the closing ceremony live.

      “As the international governing body for Paralympic sport, you always hope for the broadest, biggest possible coverage,” Schafer said. “So, of course, we would hope that CTV would cover the closing ceremony.

      “But there are many different elements that need to be factored here and need to be taken into consideration,” he added. “Overall, I think we are quite happy with the level of coverage. Can it always be a little bit better? Yes, of course.”

      According to Schafer, CTV has demonstrated a “very strong commitment” to the Paralympics. He suggested that the network’s coverage of sledge hockey could lead more Canadians to follow Paralympic sports in the future.

      “I’m sure that the live coverage and the overall coverage is going to send a tremendous positive message to Canada overall,” Schafer said. “You cannot expect, if you’re coming from a relatively low television presence in Canada, to go to a similar coverage as for the Olympic Games.”

      You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

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      Comments

      2 Comments

      JLN

      Mar 13, 2010 at 2:17pm

      Not only did the rest of canada NOT get to see the opening ceremony live on Friday, but CTV also decided at the last minute to advance its broadcast to 1:30pm Saturday, despite announcing "2pm" for days in news articles - so we tuned in only to realize we had missed the opening part, including our national anthem. well done CTV. AT LEAST, give us the ceremony through on-demand TV here in Quebec.. make it up!

      Elizabeth Lancia

      Mar 13, 2010 at 8:58pm

      I wonder if the IPC spokesperson is bound by certain expectations of diplomacy? He sounds very gracious, but we as citizens of the world have nothing to lose by being very forthright.
      ABSOLUTELY , EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY SPORT OF THE PARALYMPICS AND THE OLYMPICS SHOULD BE TELEVISED, ESPECIALLY IN THE HOST COUNTRY!!!!
      Shame on you CTV! What part of this do you not understand?
      I was horrified when we had no or extremely little acces via CBC Television in 2008 to the Beijing Paralympics. I had no idea that CTV would be so callous as to follow suit this year.
      As athletes who dedicate as much time to the development of their skills as do the able -bodied athletes, it is indeed a slap in the face and a denial of the ability and dedication of the worlds' elite athletes who happen to have a disability that means they accomplish their sport a bit differently. A Parlympiuc athlete is indeed an elite athlete!
      And WE WENT TO SEE THEM!!!
      I thought Canada was a country that was strong and free to decide for itself to do what is right by ALL people!
      CTV, this is your opportunity to correct a disgraceful injustice.