LA28 proposes Para Climbing for the 2028 Paralympic sport programme

The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on 12 June 2024 to add Para Climbing to the 2028 Paralympic Sport Programme. With this proposal, LA28 becomes the first organising committee in Games history to propose additional sports for both the Olympic and Paralympic Sport Programmes.

“LA28 is proud to propose adding Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Programme, and to be the first organising 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 programme that exemplifies LA28’s commitment to elevating the Paralympic Movement.”

At LA28, we’re thinking differently. Today, we’re proud to make history by being the first organizing committee to propose a new sport to the Paralympic program. We’re thrilled to propose Para Climbing for potential inclusion to our 2028 Paralympic Sport Program! #LA28 🦾🦿🧗🧗‍♀️… pic.twitter.com/Qi63rttjlu

— LA28 (@LA28) June 12, 2024

In January 2023, the IPC’s Governing Board approved 22 sports for inclusion in the Paralympic Sport Programme. 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 Programme. If approved by the IPC Governing Board, Para Climbing will join LA28’s Initial Paralympic Sport Programme, 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, Wheelchair Tennis.

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

We're excited to announce the LA28 Paralympic Initial Sport Program featuring 22 sports that will take place on August 15-27, 2028 🙌

It'll be our first time hosting the @Paralympics and we can't wait!

🔗 https://t.co/8QmKnE5vH0#LA28 pic.twitter.com/hmAzIcKUDs

— LA28 (@LA28) January 30, 2023

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 organisation with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.