Paralympic Games joins TV free-to-air 'crown jewels' list

The Paralympic Games is set to be added to the government’s ‘crown jewels’ list of sports events that must be screened live on free-to-air television in the UK.

The addition gives the Paralympics the same status as the Olympics and other events including the men’s football World Cup, FA Cup, Grand National and Wimbledon finals.

It is the first time the list has been updated for 20 years and follows the huge success of Channel 4’s coverage of the Paralympics since London 2012.

The ‘Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events’, or ‘crown jewels’ list, was created in 1991 and stipulates the events which must offer live rights to free-to-air broadcasters at a “fair and reasonable” cost.

“Sport has a unique power to unite the nation,” said Jeremy Wright, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport.

“But to maximise its ability to inspire, our sporting crown jewels must reflect the diversity of sporting talent we have across the country.

“Adding the Paralympic Games to the list rightly puts it on the same footing as the Olympics.

Mike Sharrock, Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, said; “The Paralympic Games is the most inspirational sporting event in the world and London 2012 demonstrated the British public’s passion for watching our incredible athletes compete.

“We have been advocating for some time that the Paralympic Games should be treated in the same way as the Olympic Games and always be available on free to air television This is a significant moment for a nation that is proud to be the home of Paralympic sport.”