LA28 Paralympic Games Set to Make History with Unprecedented Schedule
LA28 Announces Groundbreaking Paralympic Schedule
The organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Paralympic Games has revealed an extensive competition schedule, featuring over 1,100 hours of events spread across 14 days. This edition will showcase 23 sports at nearly 20 venues located within a 35-mile (56-km) radius of Los Angeles.
Largest Paralympic Games in History
As per the schedule disclosed on Wednesday, the LA28 Paralympics will include 560 medal events, marking it as the largest Paralympic Games ever in terms of scale and participation. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for August 15, 2028, with the Closing Ceremony following on August 27. Ticket registration for the Games will commence in 2027.
Introduction of New Sports and Events
A significant highlight of the 2028 Paralympics will be the introduction of para climbing, making its debut at the Games. This will be the first sport added to the Paralympic program by an organizing committee. Additionally, three new medal events have been incorporated: a women's para table tennis event, a para triathlon, and a para swimming relay for athletes with intellectual impairments. With this expanded program, LA28 is poised to host the largest Paralympic Games to date.
A Legendary Paralympic Experience
"The Paralympic Games are an essential elite sporting event," stated Janet Evans, LA28 Chief Athlete Officer. "As the third-largest sporting event globally, they showcase athletic excellence and the unwavering determination of athletes, highlighting the immense potential of sport. With more sports and competition days than ever, LA28 is on track to create a legendary Paralympic Games."
"We have the chance to break barriers and redefine the representation of the Paralympic Movement for future generations," added Ileana Rodriguez, LA28 VP of Paralympic Strategy and Relations. "This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on more Paralympians than ever, and I eagerly anticipate the extraordinary athleticism and memorable moments that will unfold."
Advancing Gender Equality
At LA28, women will represent 45% of the athlete quota, an increase from 42% at the Paris 2024 Games, making it the most gender-balanced Paralympic Games in history. Six sports are striving for full gender parity for the first time: para archery, boccia, para judo, para powerlifting, para table tennis, and para triathlon, reflecting a commitment to equality in Paralympic sports.