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23
Aug 2024
Harrogate big screen won't return for Paralympic coverage
A big screen, which was used to stream the Olympic Games in Harrogate, will not return for the Paralympics.
The screen was erected on the piazza of the Victoria Shopping Centre, last month. It offered free live coverage of the Paris Olympics from the opening ceremony until August 11, when the event came to a close.
However, a Stray Ferret reader expressed concern after the screen was removed “immediately” after the Olympics and questioned whether it would return for the Paralympic Games, which begin on August 28.
The reader felt the move was “disgraceful” and suggests Harrogate considers the Paralympics of "less importance than the Olympic Games".
The Stray Ferret put the concerns to the Victoria Shopping Centre and asked whether the screen would be re-instated.
A spokesperson said the shopping centre “deeply values inclusivity and diversity”, but confirmed the screen would not be making a return.
They added:
Please be assured that the removal of the summer screen after the Olympics was not based on any disregard for the Paralympic Games, or the belief that they are less important.
We wholeheartedly celebrate the achievements and incredible athleticism of all the athletes involved in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The spokesperson attributed the decision to “essential maintenance” taking place at the site:
As much as we would have loved to keep the screen up for an extended period to cover the Paralympic Games, we unfortunately have essential maintenance works required on the piazza whilst they are due to take place.
We will continue to explore ways to support various community events and initiatives that promote diversity and bring people together.
Charlotte McGuinness, pictured at a competition in Dubai.
Despite this, people can still watch Harrogate’s own Paralympian Charlotte McGuinness on their screens at home.
Ms McGuinness, 22, will represent Great Britain in the women’s 55kg para powerlifting event.
This will be her first time at the games, but McGuinness is no stranger to success within the sport, despite taking it up professionally only five years ago.
Just two years into her developmental training with Paralympics GB, in 2021, McGuinness placed second and third in two divisions at the Manchester Para Powerlifting World Cup.
She also took home fifth place at the 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Georgia in June.
The Paralympic Games will start next Wednesday and will run daily until Sunday, September 8. It will be streamed on Channel 4.
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