LA28 Paralympic Games initial sport programme to feature 22 sports

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.

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

1.    Badminton World Federation (BWF) – Para badminton
2.    Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) – Boccia
3.    International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Blind football
4.    International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Goalball
5.    International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Para judo
6.    International Canoe Federation (ICF) – Para canoe
7.    International Equestrian Federation (FEI) - Para equestrian
8.    International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) – Para table tennis
9.    International Tennis Federation (ITF) – Wheelchair tennis
10.    International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) – Wheelchair fencing
11.    International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) – Wheelchair basketball
12.    World Archery - Para archery
13.    World Para Athletics - Para athletics
14.    World Para Powerlifting – Para powerlifting
15.    World ParaVolley – Sitting volleyball
16.    World Para Swimming - Para swimming
17.    World Rowing Federation (FISA) - Para rowing
18.    World Shooting Para Sport – Shooting Para sport
19.    World Taekwondo – Para taekwondo
20.    World Triathlon - Para triathlon
21.    World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) – Wheelchair rugby
22.    Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) - Para cycling

In accordance with the IPC Handbook, an Organising 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, a final decision will be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the end of 2023.

LA28 sport programme announcement

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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.” 

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