A collage of two photos of para-athletes climbing on an indoor rock wall. On the left, a woman in a white tank top and black climbing shorts grips blue climbing holds. She is a right-hand amputee. On the right, a man in a yellow shirt with black striped sleeves and gray shorts climbs yellow holds. He has a prosthetic right leg. Bold white text reads 'LA28 NEW PARALYMPIC SPORT PROPOSAL' and below, 'PARA CLIMBING.'

LA28 PROPOSES PARA CLIMBING FOR THE 2028 PARALYMPIC SPORT PROGRAM

First-ever New Paralympic Sport Proposal to be Reviewed and Voted on by the International Paralympic Committee

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 12, 2024) — Today, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to add Para Climbing to the 2028 Paralympic Sport Program. With this proposal, LA28 becomes the first organizing committee in Games history to propose additional sports for both the Olympic and Paralympic Sport Programs.

 

“LA28 is proud to propose adding Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Program, and to be the first organizing committee in history to propose a new sport for the Paralympic Games,” said LA28 Chief Athlete Officer Janet Evans. “We would like to thank the International Paralympic Committee for giving us the opportunity to add this exciting sport in 2028. We see this as a unique chance to give more athletes the ability to compete on the world’s biggest stage, while creating an expansive and elite adaptive sport program that exemplifies LA28’s commitment to elevating the Paralympic Movement.” 

 

In January 2023, the IPC’s Governing Board approved 22 sports for inclusion in the Paralympic Sport Program. In addition to approving those 22 sports, the IPC identified a shortlist of sports and offered LA28 the opportunity to consider adding a new Paralympic sport from this selection.

 

Over the last year, LA28 conducted a thorough evaluation process with close consultation from the International Federations and the IPC to collect the necessary information to reach a final proposal. Similar to the evaluation criteria used to assess sport disciplines and potential new sports for the 2028 Olympic Games, LA28 assessed the global and domestic popularity, the universality at major international events as well as the cost and complexity of the shortlisted sport. 

 

Following this assessment, LA28 has chosen to propose the addition of Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Program. If approved by the IPC Governing Board, Para Climbing will join LA28’s Initial Paralympic Sport Program, which includes Blind Football (Soccer), Boccia, Goalball, Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Equestrian, Para Judo, Para Powerlifting, Para Rowing, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Para Taekwondo, Para Triathlon, Shooting Para Sport, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby, and Wheelchair Tennis.

 

LA28's proposal of adding Para Climbing to the 2028 Paralympic Sport Program will be reviewed and voted on during the IPC Governing Board meeting on June 26, 2024. The LA28 Paralympic Games will take place August 15-27, 2028.

 

ABOUT THE LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time to host the Olympic Games, previously hosted in 1984 and 1932, and first time to host the Paralympic Games. Los Angeles will host the world’s most elite athletes in 2028 as it welcomes Paralympians and Olympians from around the world to compete on the biggest stage in sports. The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.

 

 

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