By: Amelia Xiao

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that paraclimbing will make its debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, US. The paralympics allow participants with physical or intellectual disabilities to participate and have fun. The addition of para-climbing will bring the total number of sports at the Paralympic Games to twenty-three.

Para-climbing will now join the LA28 program that consists of blind football (soccer), boccia, goalball, archery, athletics, badminton, canoe, cycling, equestrian, judo, powerlifting, rowing, swimming, table tennis, para taekwondo, and many, many others!

Similar to rock climbing, para climbing is recognized as a sport that was created for people with disabilities. IPC president Andrew Parsons said that, “Para-climbing is a fast-paced exhilarating sport that I am sure will attract new audiences at the Paralympic Games.”

2028’s Para climbing will be the fifth new sport on the Paralympic sport program in the last 12 years, showing the IPC’s desire to keep the Paralympic Games fresh and showcasing Paralympics diversity.

LA28 had the opportunity to add parasurfing but declined, stating the decision was based on a balance between its commitment to expand the Paralympics while coping with the size of the Games and its liability toward the city.

The Los Angeles Paralympics, the first Summer Games to be held in the U.S. since 1996 in Atlanta, are set to be held on Aug. 15-27, 2028 in SoFi Stadium.