World Triathlon is pleased to announce that following an extensive review process, the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board has confirmed the inclusion of Para triathlon on the Games programme for Los Angeles 2028, where 22 Para sports will be showcased. Para triathlon made its debut at the Paralympics in Rio 2016, and since then never stop growing its presence, with more medal events and more para triathletes than ever confirmed for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The 22 sports included in the programme of the LA 2028 Paralympic Games will be: Para badminton, Boccia, Blind football, Goalball, Para judo, Para canoe, Para equestrian, Para table tennis, Wheelchair tennis, Wheelchair fencing, Wheelchair basketball, Para archery, Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Sitting volleyball, Para swimming, Para rowing, Shooting Para sport, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, Wheelchair rugby and Para cycling.
LA28 was also given the opportunity to explore the inclusion of Para climbing or Para surfing on the programme, and if these sports are put forward for consideration, a final decision will be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the end of 2023.
“We are absolutely delighted with this announcement. This means a great consolidation to a project that we initiated back in 2008 and that has given us so many great rewards. Given the limitations to a certain degree of the Paralympic Games programme, it is a huge achievement for World Triathlon that Para triathlon maintains its status within the Paralympic Programme, our Para triathletes deserve it . We will continue to invest in the growing presence of our sport within the Paralympic movement, and we are fully committed to continue to work closely with the IPC and all our stakeholders to strengthen our presence in the Paralympics, and potentially try to increase the number of medal events and athletes that will compete in Los Angeles in 2028”, said World Triathlon President and IOC member, Marisol Casado.
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.
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 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.”
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 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.”