Para-surfing has made it onto the shortlist of 22 sports for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the ISA said in a statement sent to the press.

“The International Surfing Association (ISA) today welcomes the proposal by the Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee (LA28) to consider the inclusion of Para Surfing for the Paralympic Games,” the statement said.

It added: “In particular, the ISA was pleased to note that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Board of Directors confirmed that Para Surfing has demonstrated the competitive viability and integrity of the sport, as well as the strategic benefits for the Paralympic Games.”

The selection process for the sports for the Games is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

“The ISA believes that Para Surfing is a perfect fit for Los Angeles – a location with a strong tradition of supporting the sport and the high-performance athletes who excel in the discipline of Para Surfing,” they note.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre had this to say about the process: “With Surfing as the official sport of the state of California and the strong surf culture, appeal and infrastructure at LA 2028, Para Surfing can offer incredible value and energy to the Paralympic programme. We will continue to make a compelling case for Paralympic inclusion to the LA 2028 organisers, and look forward to success when the decision is made later this year.”