The International Paralympic Committee Governing Board has approved 22 sports for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games, with the possibility of a first inclusion for Para Climbing and Para Surfing.
The 22 sports were chosen after applications had been received from 33 international Federations. They are the same which will feature in the Paris Paralympic Games of 2024.
They include Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming and Para-Cycling where Ireland has done well in performance and medals over the course of the last three Games.
Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, Para-Badminton, Para Powerlifting and Para-Rowing are also all included.
Should LA28 put forward any sports for consideration, a final decision will be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the end of 2023.
“Determining these sports for inclusion to the LA28 Paralympic Games through the International Federation application process was a tremendously difficult job for the IPC Governing Board as we received 33 excellent applications,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons.
“All International Federations who submitted applications should be congratulated on the quality of their submissions as they underline that all Para sports are getting stronger.”
“The sports we have included in the LA28 Paralympic Games provide a competitive and attractive sport programme that will showcase the diversity of the Paralympic Movement.”
“Under our rules for determining the sport programme, there is an option for a Games Organising Committee to propose one or more sports for inclusion in the Games for the IPC Governing Board to consider. We fully support LA28’s interest in the OCOG proposed sport process as this could be a significant contribution to drive greater impact of the LA28 Paralympic Games while controlling cost and complexity and achieving our shared goal of cost neutrality across the LA28 budget.”
“The LA28 Paralympic Games will be an incredible moment for elite adaptive sport against the backdrop of one of the most diverse and inclusive cities on the planet,” added Casey Wasserman, LA28’s Chairperson.
“We’re looking forward to bringing a remarkable Paralympic sport programme to life that will create an exceptional Games experience for athletes and fans. LA28 has always been about integrating the creative energy of LA into sport tradition to bring new fans into the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As we explore potential new sports, we will consider how best to elevate the athlete and fan experience and contribute to the overall success of the Games.”
