By: Jeremy Sun

In the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Para-climbing, a new sport for athletes with disabilities, will be included. This addition aims to highlight the skills and determination of para-athletes, promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.

Para-climbing involves adapted climbing techniques and equipment to accommodate various physical, visual, and neurological disabilities, allowing these athletes to compete at the highest level. The inclusion of Para-climbing not only provides a new platform for these athletes but also brings greater visibility and recognition to the sport and the broader para-sports community.

According to the CBBC article “Para-climbing to be at Paralympics 2028,” International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons stated, “Para-climbing is a fast-paced, exhilarating sport that I am sure will attract new audiences to the Paralympic Games. You only have to see the sport’s impact on the Olympic Games programme to understand this.”

The organizing committee of each Paralympic Games has the opportunity to propose one or more additional events, subject to approval or rejection by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) after careful evaluation.

For LA28, the committee had to choose between proposing Para-climbing or Para-surfing, both of which are new to the Paralympic Games. Ultimately, they selected Para-climbing, marking the fifth new sport added in the last 12 years. Notably, the LA 2028 team is the first organizing committee to request 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, the president of the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

Marco Scolaris highlighted that adding climbing as a new sport expands opportunities and supports their mission to improve the world through climbing. This change gives para-athletes a chance to demonstrate their skills on the global stage of the Paralympic Games, underscoring their commitment to inclusivity and athletic achievement.

With Para-climbing included in the Paralympics, the LA28 Paralympics will feature a total of 23 different sports.