LA28 VP Ileana Rodriguez Aims For Record 560 Medal Events

Ileana Rodriguez, Vice President of Paralympic Strategy and Relations for LA28, is working to make the Paralympic Games an equal part of the Los Angeles Olympic experience, with a focus on accessibility. The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games will feature 560 medal events, the largest athlete field ever assembled, and a record 23 sports held in nearly 20 competition venues.

Rodriguez, a former Paralympic swimmer who competed in the London 2012 Paralympic Games, brings an athlete's perspective to LA28. Born in Matanzas, Cuba, she became paralyzed as a teenager and has spent much of her life navigating the world from a different perspective.

The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games will have all competition sites within a 35-mile radius, with venues including the Coliseum, Crypto.com Arena, and USC's Galen Center. The Paralympic village will be located on UCLA's campus.

The Games will feature a record 23 sports, including Paralympic climbing, which will make its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. The event will be the largest Paralympics ever held, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity.

## Why it matters The 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for the city to improve inclusive accessibility citywide. The legacy of the Games will be imprinted on the city forever, proliferating beyond the boundaries of the venues to better all of Los Angeles. With Rodriguez at the helm, LA28 is committed to delivering a plan that elevates Paralympic sport and brings it to the next level.

The Games will showcase the highest level of athleticism, skill, and endurance, and it is essential for LA28 to deliver a plan that not only elevates Paralympic sport but also provides an exceptional experience for athletes and fans. With a focus on accessibility, the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games will be an event to remember.