Para Climbing Approved for 2028 Paralympic Program

The International Paralympic Committee has approved a proposal from LA28 to include Para climbing into the 2028 Paralympic Sport Program, expanding the Games program to 23 sports as Para climbing will make its Paralympic debut in Southern California.

The International Federation for Sport Climbing has been hosting Para climbing competitions since 2006. Athletes from 27 nations regularly compete in the sport which features an annual competition circuit including World Cup events, as well as biennial Para climbing World Championships. The IFSC was granted the status of Recognised International Federation by the IPC in 2017.

“Para climbing is a fast-paced, exhilarating sport that I am sure will attract new audiences to the Paralympic Games, you only have to see the sport’s impact on the Olympic Games program to understand this,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons. “By 2028 Para climbing will be the fifth new sport on the Paralympic sport program in the last 12 years, underlining the IPC’s desire to keep the Paralympic Games fresh and a showcase of the Paralympic Movement’s diversity. My thanks go to the LA28 for proposing Para climbing, in doing so they become the first organizing committee in history to propose an additional sport to the Paralympic Sport program.”

The 2028 Paralympic Summer Games will take place August 15–27, 2028. The 23 sports that will be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games are: Blind football, Boccia, Goalball, Para archery, Para athletics, Para badminton, Para canoe, Para climbing, 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 and Wheelchair tennis.

“Los Angeles’ diversity and culture of inclusion offers the ideal stage to host the city’s first Paralympic Games and elevate the Paralympic Movement worldwide,” said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman. “LA28 is thrilled to welcome Para climbing’s athletes and fans and we thank the International Paralympic Committee for their partnership and collaboration to add this dynamic and emerging sport to the 2028 Paralympic Sport Program.”

A record 33 sports submitted applications to the IPC to be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games. LA28 recommended the inclusion of Para Climbing to the program on June 12.

“Thank you to the IPC for welcoming us as part of the Paralympic family, but thanks must also go to the LA28 organising committee for believing in our sport and making history for the both of us,” said Marco Scolaris, president of the IFSC. “By proposing climbing as an additional sport they have given us another opportunity to fulfil our purpose – to make the world a better place through climbing. All of our Para athletes do this every day, and now they can do it on the world stage for all to see at the Paralympic Games.”