IOC Session approval of Surfing for inclusion in the Sports Programme of the LA28 Olympic Games

La Jolla, California, USA – February 3, 2022 : At the 139^th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session today, held in Beijing, China, Surfing was approved to be included on the Initial Sports Program for LA28. Following a vote of the IOC Membership, Surfing is now integrated into the group of 28 Olympic sports.  

Today’s announcement solidifies Surfing as a long-term fixture in the Olympic Programme. The ISA President confirmed his and the ISA’s excitement to potentially showcase the sport’s great value in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, where Surfing is an essential part of the culture of Australia’s Gold Coast.

 ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said: “From the beginning of my Presidency, 27 years ago, it was my dream and hope to show that Surfing was worthy of long-term inclusion in the Olympic Games. Today is a truly wonderful day when that dream becomes a permanent reality. My heart is full of gratitude at this time of celebration for all surfers and fans of wave-riding. “This is a humbling moment for the ISA and for me personally. I would like to offer my deepest thanks to the IOC President and the IOC Members for their belief in Surfing and the value we continue to bring to the Games, as we showed in Tokyo. I would also like to express my gratitude to our friends and leaders at LA28 for believing in and supporting our inclusion. “We have always known that Surfing was a natural fit for LA28.

As the official sport of California, surfing is action, youth and energy combined. And we have a powerful connection to the natural environment and sustainable living. A perfect recipe for the future of the Games Programme.  “We are excited to be part of a new future for the Olympic Games. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are bringing a new age of Olympism. Together, we are making a better world through Surfing and sports.” 

LA28 Chairperson, Casey Wasserman, said: “The LA28 Games have always been about bringing more freshness, youthful energy and creativity into the Olympic and Paralympic movement. Los Angeles is a place unlike any other and it will be incredible to host surfing, skateboarding and climbing as iconic West Coast sports alongside Olympic fan favourites.”