Paris is first up but the Olympic movement is already deep in planning for Los Angeles in 2028 and yesterday the hopes of five new sports were raised with the news breaking that they were being recommended for inclusion at those games by the Local Organisers.
In two of the sports Ireland has hosted a World Championship in the past year and in another we are bidding to do so in 2030. That makes this cycles announcement of particular interest.
Cricket, Softball / Baseball, Lacrosse, Squash and Flag Football are the five and while excitement is high today it could quickly move to reality with ratification taking place as quickly as next week at the IOC Session taking place in Mumbai.
“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it,” said LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman.
“They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe.”
“They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”
The five proposed sports would come in addition to the 28 Olympic sports in LA28’s initial sport program announced by the IOC in February 2022, including Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoe, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, Surfing, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball and Wrestling.
Still no sign of Boxing on the list as those negotiations continue around issues of leadership and governance in the sport.
Each of the sports at a global level have welcomed their inclusion on the list.
Softball Ireland hosted one of three groups in the Women’s World Championship in Balbriggan this summer.
Lacrosse Ireland hosted the World U20 Championships at the University of Limerick in 2022.
Cricket Ireland is bidding to be part of a shared bid with England to host the Cricket World Cup in 2030.
Flag Football’s European Championship took place this summer, also at the University of Limerick
Squash is also a popular sport in Ireland.
Ireland will be sending its largest ever team of athletes to the Paris Games next summer. It could be even more in five years time to Los Angeles.
