By David Gold

NBC logo_August 17 - The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced Paralympic Games online and broadcast details with NBC following criticism about the lack of coverage in America.


From the start of the London 2012 Paralympics on August 29, NBC will show a daily highlights package via the US Paralympics YouTube channel.

The videos will show the competition, athlete stories and include the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games.

The NBC Sports Network will also show one-hour highlights shows on September 4, 5, 6 and 11.

But there will be no live coverage - or "as live" - despite an online petition urging NBC to show events 

But USOC says the deal means the American public will see more coverage of their Paralympic team than during any other previous year.

"As one of only four National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that also manage the Paralympic programme, we are committed to increasing Paralympic coverage in the US," said Scott Blackmun, chief executive of USOC.

US Paralympics_YouTube_August_16NBC will show a daily highlights package on the US Paralympics YouTube channel

"With this expanded approach to coverage, the USOC is making a significant investment in growing the Paralympic Movement in the United States and introducing more fans to Paralympic Sport."

NBC will also broadcast a 90-minute special show on September 16, a week after the Games conclude, which will re-air on the Universal Sports Network and UniversalSports.com.

NBC's coverage of the Olympic attracted record coverage but was criticised for failing to show either the Opening Ceremony or the men's 100 metres, won by Jamaica's Usain Bolt, live. 

The Paralympics has never been covered live in the US and Adam Freifeld, vice-president of communications for NBC Sports Group, claims these plans are a significant step forward.

"This is the first time Paralympic coverage has been available on NBC Sports Network, the cable network that was rebranded earlier this year from VERSUS," he said.

Among the highlights at the Paralympics for the US will be whether Blake Leeper or Jerome Singleton can prevent South African star Oscar Pistorius retaining his T44 100 metres title.

"It's tremendous news that the London 2012 Paralympic Games will get more airtime in the US then ever before and thoroughly deserved," said Sir Philip Craven, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President.

"Viewers online and on television will see sport like never before, with elite athletes putting in some quite incredible performances."

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