Ray Martin to host official World Youth Day 2008 coverage

Australian television legend Ray Martin will host the official broadcast of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08).

Mr Martin will lead a presentation team of clergy and young people to deliver the official broadcast of the week-long youth event to the English speaking world.

“In almost 40 years as a broadcast journalist, I have never been involved in something quite like World Youth Day,” Mr Martin said.

“The sheer size and scale of the event is amazing – 125,000 overseas pilgrims arriving here to celebrate their faith with 100,000 young Australian for six days and nights.

“There’s also a Papal visit and potentially the biggest gathering of people Australia has ever seen. It didn’t take me too long to realise I had to be

The Archbishop of Sydney and chairman of the WYD08 Local Organising Committee, Cardinal George Pell, said Ray Martin was not only a outstanding broadcast journalist, but also a committed community activist.

“We are delighted to have somebody of Ray’s stature heading the official broadcast of World Youth Day,” Cardinal Pell said.

“Ray is a most accomplished presenter, having hosted events as diverse as election nights, the Commonwealth Games, the 1988 Bicentenary Spectacular, Pope John Paul II’s funeral – and now World Youth Day.

“His tireless efforts for the cause of those in need, especially indigenous reconciliation and the Fred Hollows Foundation are well known among his many commitments to the community.

“Ray Martin will ensure the world sees and hears a most professional and fascinating coverage of this remarkable event.”

Sydney will host the 23rd World Youth Day from 15–20 July. Organised by the Catholic Church but open to all, WYD08 is expected to attract 500,000 people to the Final Mass before Pope Benedict XVI on his first visit to Australia.

ends

© Scoop Media