Leeds named as host for Channel 4’s Tokyo Paralympics coverage

Leeds has been named as one of three cities to broadcast the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympics games

6th July 2021

2 minute read

Channel 4 has revealed its plans for coverage of the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympics games – and Leeds has been named as one of three cities set to act as a host for the event.

The channel has announced over 70% of its presenters will be disabled this year, in a pro-accessibility move that has been widely praised by followers of the tournament.

Broadcaster Clare Balding will present live sports finals each morning from Channel 4’s Leeds headquarters, amid programming plans that include a multi-location presentation format.

Also broadcasting from Leeds will be TV presenter and paralympic cyclist Arthur Williams and Steph McGovern. The pair will host a daily Paralympics breakfast show from the channels’ HQ.

Seoul Paralympic Games Athletics Australian Wheelchair Athlete Close up — Seoul Paralympic games athletics Australian wheelchair athlete Close up / Image: Australian Paralympic Committee

Leeds will also host an early evening show celebrating the medals of the day, followed by a late-night end-of-day summary show called The Last Leg.

The highlights show, meanwhile, will be broadcast directly from Tokyo in the early evening.

“Channel 4 has long played a fundamental role in bringing a global audience to the Paralympic Games and for shifting perceptions of disabled people through our significant investment in coverage and award-winning marketing campaigns for London 2012 and Rio 2016,” said Channel 4’s Director of Programmes, Ian Katz.

“Now we’re finally able to get excited about bringing the long-awaited Tokyo 2020 Paralympics to UK viewers with even more coverage than ever before across multiple platforms, from multiple locations and hosted by a stellar presenting team.

Photograph of Australian Paralympic team member Michelle Errichiello at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London. Along with Errichiello are the United States' Katy Sullivan and Germany's Vanessa Low seen here contesting the final of the Women's 100-metre sprint — Australian Paralympic Michelle Errichiello at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London, pictured with Katy Sullivan and Vanessa Low contesting the final of the Women’s 100-metre sprint. / Image: Australian Paralympic Committee

“We’re looking forward to bringing the best coverage possible to the British public so we can all get behind ParalympicsGB and celebrate their success in Tokyo.”

Both Channel 4 and More 4 will carry subtitles on live events. The opening ceremony will also have live signing and live enhanced open AD/commentary simulcast on 4Seven to make viewing as accessible as possible.

The majority of content on the Paralympics Microsite will also have subtitles.

The rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Paralympics begins on Tuesday, 24th August 2021 and ends on Sunday, 5th September.

Feature image – Channel 4.