Boccia will take centre stage on Opening Day -1 of the LA28 Paralympic Games – an unprecedented platform that athletes, coaches and officials believe could transform the sport’s visibility worldwide.
For the first time in Paralympic history, competition will start before the flame is lit.
Boccia, alongside wheelchair rugby, will open the sporting programme early as part of a redesigned 15-day schedule confirmed by LA28 organisers to mark 1,000 days until the Games.
While wheelchair rugby begins on Day -2, boccia’s slot on Day -1 places it as the only other sport in action the day before the Opening Ceremony – a rare, uninterrupted showcase on the global stage.
For those across boccia, the chance to cast a global focus on the sport’s elite athletes’ – with their skill, emotion and tactical depth – is being seen as a golden opportunity.
Officials in the sport are convinced this moment could rival the profile boost boccia received after its breakthrough performances at the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics, potentially introducing it to millions of new viewers at a time when no other events compete for attention.
The schedule, designed with international federations and Olympic Broadcasting Services, aims to create marquee moments for each sport.
But boccia’s placement is particularly striking: an exclusive run-up to the Games that could help elevate its public recognition.
“We’re excited to mark 1,000 days from the LA28 Paralympic Games as we set the stage for athletes, fans and the global community to unite in a celebration of sport, resilience and human potential,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 Chief Executive Officer.
“The Paralympic competition schedule reflects our athlete-first approach in planning and creating unforgettable competition moments across the region as we prepare to welcome the Paralympic Games to Los Angeles for the very first time.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, “In just 1,000 days, we will make history by hosting the first-ever Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, one that will feature the most women athletes ever competing on this world stage.
“I can’t wait to celebrate the elite athleticism and determination of some of the world’s greatest athletes and to see Los Angeles shine.”
The Opening Ceremony is set for 15 August 2028 at SoFi Stadium, marking the first Paralympics ever held in Los Angeles.
Competition then accelerates immediately on Day 1, when medals will be awarded in Para athletics, wheelchair fencing, shooting Para sport, Para equestrian and Para cycling track.
Beyond boccia, the early days of the Games are set to be historic in other ways.
Para climbing will make its Paralympic debut on Day 9 in Long Beach, becoming the first sport added to the programme by a host organising committee.
Its approval in 2024 continued a decade-long expansion in adaptive sports.
The LA28 Paralympics will feature 23 sports across 294 competition sessions, concluding on 27 August at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The final day will include title matches in blind football, Para powerlifting, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball before the Closing Ceremony.
The build-up to LA28 comes amid growing global interest in Paralympic sport.
While the Olympics will return to Los Angeles for a third time in 2028, this will be the city’s first Paralympics – and boccia will have the joint honour of launching the action.
More detailed, event-specific schedules are expected next year, with ticket sales to begin in 2027.
