Saturday, 06 September 2008
9.50pm

ABC TV's coverage of the Paralympic Games Beijing 2008 begins on Saturday September 6 at 9:50pm, when host Adam Hills along with Paralympic Gold Medallist Louise Sauvage and ABC Sport presenter Karen Tighe bring you all the colour and excitement of the spectacular Opening Ceremony LIVE.

The Ceremony promises to show the world the history and culture of China. It will also emphasise the value of life through interpretation of the emblem of the 2008 Paralympic Games, which represents Sky, Earth and Human Beings.

As Australia's largest ever Paralympic team of 170 athletes arrive to compete at the 2008 Beijing Games, ABC TV will be there to bring you all of the excitement.
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thletes from every Australian state and territory have earned selection to compete in 13 sports. There are 95 first-time Paralympians in addition to 75 returning athletes, all whom have a total of 180 medals to their credit. With 908 medals from previous Paralympic competition, the 2008 team could be on the verge of earning Australia its 1000th Paralympic medal in Beijing.

In 2008, ABC TV's coverage of the Paralympic Games will be the biggest effort by any broadcaster, anywhere in the world. ABC TV will broadcast over 100 hours of live, and highlight, coverage across ABC1, ABC2, ABC HD and ABC iView.