U.S. organizers are gearing up for the challenge of hosting the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028, following the success of the recent games in Paris. With over 4,000 athletes and 2.4 million tickets sold in Paris, the goal is to surpass these numbers and create another breakout moment for para sports. The Paralympic venues for Los Angeles are yet to be announced, but the city boasts state-of-the-art venues like the Coliseum, Rose Bowl, and SoFi Stadium that will host the events. The addition of five new sports in the Olympics and para climbing in the Paralympics is expected to attract a record total of up to 15,000 athletes.
Increased television coverage and viewership in the United States are essential for the Paralympics to gain popularity. While the Paris Games received extensive coverage in countries like the UK and France, the U.S. market is dominated by sports like NFL and college football. Efforts are being made to expand coverage through channels like NBC and Peacock, but the challenge lies in engaging American audiences who may not be as familiar with niche sports. With the use of new technology, organizers hope to create a more interactive viewing experience to keep fans engaged throughout the Olympic and Paralympic events.
The visibility of Paralympic athletes outside of the sports world is another crucial aspect of growing the games in the U.S. Hollywood’s access provides an opportunity to make Paralympic athletes global pop culture stars and change perceptions about people with disabilities. Collaboration between Paralympians and Olympians, as well as increased awareness of para sports programs, is necessary to generate broader support and interest in the games. The hope is that the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics will be a transformative moment for many individuals with disabilities, inspiring them to participate in sports and showcase their abilities on a global stage.
The U.S. has historically excelled in the Summer Olympics but China has been the leading force in Paralympics since 2004. Paralympians like Jessica Long and Matt Stutzman stress the need for better financial support and recognition from organizations like the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Achieving success in the medal count at the Paralympics will require increased investment in athletes, as well as greater awareness and participation in para sports across the country. With the right resources and support, the U.S. has the potential to compete at the highest level and showcase the talents of its Paralympic athletes on the world stage in 2028.
