DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service today announced that for the first time US service members worldwide will be able to watch NBC Olympics’ streaming coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics from their desktop and personal devices. This benefit is being provided at no cost to those who are currently serving in the US military or retired military members by Comcast NBCUniversal in partnership with the Exchange and U.S. cable, satellite and telco providers.

NBC Olympics will stream 4,500 hours of coverage, including live streaming all competition, as 10,500 athletes from 206 countries compete in 35 sports from Aug. 3-21.

“We’re excited to partner with Comcast NBCUniversal to deliver the Olympics to service members and their families, wherever they are called to serve,” said Tom Shull, Director/CEO of the Exchange. “Go USA!”

“Few events unify the world like the Olympic Games, and it is only fitting that we make them accessible for those who chose to serve our country,” said Carol Eggert, Brigadier General (Retired), and Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast. “We think it is extremely important to support our employees who are veterans or members of the National Guard and Reserve and the military community as a whole. We are thankful to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service for working with us to deliver the excitement of the Olympics to the military community, no matter where they are located.”

Service members will access NBC Olympics’ digital coverage from their computers or personal devices by visiting NBCOlympics.com or the NBC Sports app and choosing the Exchange as their service provider.

Due to content rights restrictions, an active shopmyexchange.com account will be required to verify eligibility. Content rights restrictions will also apply to some OCONUS locations.

When Comcast NBCUniversal offered the service, a collaborative team including the Defense Media Activity, Defense Information Systems Agency, the Exchange and DHI Telecom (an Exchange Internet, mobile and IPTV provider) swung into action to develop the technical solution required.

Additional information will be available on shopmyexchange.com. To see a day-by-day list highlighting events to watch, go to NBCOlympics.com.

In addition to the streaming content, note that the American Forces Network (AFN) will also offer extensive NBC Olympics’ broadcast and cable coverage on its television services for the overseas American military communities around the world.

“Once again we are extremely appreciative of the International Olympic Committee, its broadcast partners around the world, and to NBC Olympics for their excellent and extensive coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games being made available to America’s military communities around the world,” said Larry Marotta, Director, Television, American Forces Network.

The Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics will air on Friday, August 5, on NBC. Competition begins two days earlier on Wednesday, August 3, with women’s soccer on NBCSN and USA Network. The Games conclude on Sunday, August 21, with the Closing Ceremony on NBC.

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htm or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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