LA28 on track to deliver “inspiring” Olympic and Paralympic Games

LA28 is preparing to deliver inspiring Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. That was the message delivered to the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission, who visited the city this week.

Speaking about the progress being made, Commission Chair Nicole Hoevertsz said: “LA is an amazing place, with amazing people. This is evident in the quality and quantity of world-class sports facilities available for the Games, including modern, cutting-edge stadiums and iconic legacy venues used during the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games.”

She continued: “This history has instilled the Games within the DNA of Los Angeles, and the people here are very excited for 2028. Nowhere is this more evident than within the Organising Committee. Their enthusiasm is reflected in their progress, with LA28 on track to deliver unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Games. With athletes at the core of their team, fans central to their engagement strategy, strong support from stakeholders and initiatives already delivering legacy, these Games are on track to inspire the next generation and make a lasting impact.”

Adding to this, LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman said: “LA28 is well-positioned to deliver amazing Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. With six years to go, we’ve entered the traditional planning phase of the Games and are preparing for an incredible event, prioritising athlete and fan experience and fiscal responsibility. I am grateful to LA28 Coordination Commission Chair Nicole Hoevertsz for her leadership as we work together to host Games the world will love.”

During the visit, the Organising Committee took the opportunity to update Coordination Commission members on pivotal milestones reached over the last 12 months.

This included the Organising Committee confirming the dates for the Olympic (14-30 July) and Paralympic (15-27 August) Games, as well as an update on the progress with the review of potential OCOG-proposed sports, conducted in close partnership with the IOC and the respective International Sports Federations.

LA28 also presented the progress of its commercial programme. Several new domestic partners and licensees have been confirmed in recent months. This progress is key to maintaining LA28’s vision of funding the Games entirely through private investment.

On a local level, LA28 explained the importance of finalising the Games Agreement with the City of LA. This provides a framework for the local authority’s commitments in areas such as the use of city resources, legacy plans, local hire opportunities, sustainability and transport.

The city has also promoted the PlayLA youth sports programme. This is an initiative made possible by the Organising Committee and the IOC, with an investment of USD 160 million to make sport more accessible to children and young people across Los Angeles ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. This initiative remains the single largest commitment to youth sports development in California.

In addition, an overview of the development of the LA28 team was provided. With over 130 staff members, the quality of the team was highlighted. As part of this, LA28 explained that athletes have been placed at the heart of the organisation. Initiatives such as the Athlete Fellowship Program and support for US athletes through the athlete in-state tuition program are ensuring that athletes have an important role in delivering the Games, and are equipping them with the skills and experience that will benefit them in the future.

The Coordination Commission members also visited a number of venues across the city, noting LA28’s plan for no new permanent venues required for the Games. The visit included a number of new facilities, but also legacy venues such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum used for the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games.