LA28 Paralympics to Feature 22 Diverse Sports in 2028 Games

Author: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Published: 2023/01/30 - Updated: 2025/06/05
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information presents a comprehensive summary of the 22 sports officially approved for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, as determined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) following a rigorous application and review process. The article details how the LA28 Paralympics will feature 552 medal events across these 22 sports, matching the scale of previous Games, and highlights a significant advancement in gender balance: 243 medal events for women (an increase from Paris 2024), 263 for men, and 46 mixed or open events. Notably, 16 sports will offer equal athlete quotas for men and women, and 17 sports will have identical numbers of medal events for both genders, marking a milestone in inclusivity and representation.

The addition of Para climbing, making its Paralympic debut with eight medal events, underscores the Games' commitment to evolving sport opportunities for athletes with a range of disabilities. This authoritative overview is especially useful for athletes, coaches, sports administrators, people with disabilities, seniors, and advocates seeking up-to-date, reliable information on the evolving landscape of adaptive sports and the increasing emphasis on gender parity and diversity within the Paralympic movement - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Following an extensive International Federation application and review process, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has approved 22 sports for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games. By the IPC Handbook, an Organizing Committee of a respective Games may also propose to the IPC one or more additional events in new sports, with consideration for inclusion at the absolute discretion of the IPC Governing Board.

As part of the International Federation application process, a record 33 Para sports submitted applications to the IPC to be considered for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games. Following the full evaluation, the IPC granted LA28 the opportunity to explore the potential of including Para climbing or Para surfing, sports that have not been featured before at the Paralympic Games. Should LA28 put forward any sports for consideration, the IPC Governing Board will take a final decision by the end of 2023.

Main Content

The 22 sports approved for inclusion are governed by the following International Federations are:

Andrew Parsons, the IPC President, said:

"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. All International Federations who submit 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 sports program that will showcase the diversity of the Paralympic Movement."

"Under our rules for determining the sports program, there is an option for a Games Organizing 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 significantly contribute to the greater impact of the LA28 Paralympic Games while controlling cost and complexity and achieving our shared goal of cost neutrality across the LA28 budget."

Casey Wasserman, LA28's Chairperson, said:

"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. We're looking forward to bringing a great Paralympic sports program 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 sports 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."

Following the submission of applications by International Federations in July 2022, the IPC assessed each candidate sport by the IPC Handbook and sought further clarification from applicants where needed. The IPC also worked closely with LA28 to analyze the potential impact of sports on the program, prioritizing an amazing Games experience that is fiscally and environmentally responsible.

About the IPC

The IPC acts as the international federation for six Para sports: World Para Athletics, World Para Dance Sport, World Para Ice Hockey, World Para Powerlifting, World Shooting Para Sport, and World Para Swimming. The IPC's vision is to create an inclusive world through Para sport.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The LA28 Paralympic Games' sport program not only reflects the growing strength and diversity of para sports worldwide, but also sets a new benchmark for gender equality and inclusion at the elite level. The careful balancing of athlete quotas and medal events signals a deliberate move toward fairer representation, while the introduction of Para climbing demonstrates the Games' openness to innovation and the evolving interests of athletes and audiences alike. As the Paralympic movement continues to expand, these decisions will likely influence the direction of adaptive sports for years to come, offering broader opportunities and greater visibility for athletes of all backgrounds and abilities. The IPC's transparent and inclusive approach to selecting sports for the LA28 Paralympic Games underscores a commitment to diversity and excellence in adaptive sports. For communities with disabilities, this program not only offers a stage for elite competition but also signals a broader cultural shift toward accessibility and recognition. As the Games approach, the challenge lies in leveraging this opportunity to enhance local infrastructure and awareness, ensuring a lasting legacy for all Angelenos and beyond - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and published on 2023/01/30, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: International Paralympic Committee (IPC). (2023, January 30 - Last revised: 2025, June 5). LA28 Paralympics to Feature 22 Diverse Sports in 2028 Games. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 31, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/sports/paralympics/2028/la28.php

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