By: Claire Ouyang

The 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, will introduce a new sport, para-climbing, as announced by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This addition will bring the number of sports at the LA28 Paralympic Games to 23.

The inclusion of para-climbing follows the introduction of climbing at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

“Para-climbing is a fast-paced, exhilarating sport that I am sure will attract new audiences to the Paralympic Games,” says IPC president Andrew Parsons.

The LA28 committee had to decide whether to propose para-climbing or para-surfing to the IPC. These sports have never been featured in a Paralympic Games.

Para-climbing is the fifth new sport introduced in the last 12 years. The LA 2028 organizing committee is the first to seek the inclusion of an additional sport at the Games.

“Thank you to the IPC for welcoming us as part of the Paralympic family, but thanks must also go to the LA28 organizing committee for believing in our sport and making history for the both of us,” said Marco Scolaris, president of the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

“By proposing climbing as an additional sport they have given us another opportunity to fulfill 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.”