IPC welcomes decision for Paris 2024 and LA 2028

"Although there are still more than 11 years to go until Los Angeles 2028, there is not a moment to waste to ensure that these Games are finally the ones where the Paralympic Movement makes a breakthrough in the USA."

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has welcomed the declaration of candidature by the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Candidature Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, effectively paving the way for Paris to stage the 2024 Games.

In June, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the awarding of the 2024 and 2028 Games at the same time later this year. Following announcements by the IOC and Los Angeles on Monday (31 July) night and Tuesday (1 August) morning respectively, the IOC will aim to reach a tripartite agreement with Los Angeles and Paris in August. This agreement will then be put forward to the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru, in September for ratification.

Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said: “The whole Paralympic Movement welcomes the decision by Los Angeles to put themselves forward to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Pending ratification at September’s IOC session, this effectively means Paris will stage the 2024 Games.

“From the outset, the IPC has been greatly impressed by the desire and hunger of both Los Angeles and Paris to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Both cities have been in close liaison with the IPC throughout the last 18 months in order to develop and improve the Paralympic aspects of their respective bids.

“Throughout the bid process, Paris 2024 has displayed a strong vision to stage the most successful Paralympic Games in history and use the event to serve as a catalyst for social transformation and the development of stronger foundations for Paralympic sport.

“The Paris 2024 Games also promise a 100 per cent accessible eco-village, a compact Paralympic venue plan and the development of France’s first Paralympic youth training centre.

“Although there are still more than 11 years to go until Los Angeles 2028, there is not a moment to waste to ensure that these Games are finally the ones where the Paralympic Movement makes a breakthrough in the USA.

“Compared to many other countries around the world, visibility and awareness of the Paralympic Movement is still fairly limited in the USA. The Los Angeles 2028 Games are a tremendous opportunity to change this once and for all, enriching the lives of millions of US citizens with an impairment through top class Para sport.

“The IPC applaud the IOC’s decision to make contributions to the Los Angeles Organising Committee of an overall estimated value of USD 1.8 billion in view of the longer planning period. The sooner we can get started on cracking the USA, the better it is for the Paralympic Movement.

“With Tokyo 2020 on course to stage one of the best Paralympic Games to date, the future looks extremely promising with Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.”

The 131st IOC session will take place in Lima, Peru, between 13-17 September 2017.