LA 2028 proposes para-climbing for the Paralympic program

The organizers of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games would like to include para-climbing in the programme of the games. A corresponding proposal has been submitted to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Sport climbing is currently only in the Olympic program. Medals were awarded for the first time in Tokyo 2020.

"LA28 is proud to include para-climbing in the Paralympic sports program and to be the first organizing committee in history to propose a new sport for the Paralympic Games," said Janet Evans, Chief Athlete Officer of LA28.

In January 2023, the IPC Board of Directors approved 22 sports for inclusion in the Paralympic program. In addition to these sports, the IPC created a shortlist of sports and offered Los Angeles the opportunity to consider adding a new Paralympic sport from that selection. And the Americans chose para-climbing.

If the IPC Governing Board approves, para-climbing will be included in the LA28 Paralympic program. Competitions are also planned for blind football, bocce, goalball, para-archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, para-canoeing, para-cycling, para-equestrian, para-judo, para-powerlifting, para-rowing, para-swimming, para-table tennis, para-taekwondo, para-triathlon, para-shooting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

Para-climbing could be included in the official program of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. GETTY IMAGES
Para-climbing could be included in the official program of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. GETTY IMAGES

LA28's proposal to include para-climbing in the 2028 Paralympic sports program will be reviewed and voted on at the IPC Governing Board meeting on 26 June. The Los Angeles Paralympic Games will be held from 15-27 August 2028.