LA 2028
The 2028 Paralympic Torch Relay: What We Know
A flame from Stoke Mandeville, a relay in August, and the first Paralympic Games in Los Angeles
September 29, 20265 min read
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The Second Relay of 2028
Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1984, but never the Paralympic Games. That changes on August 15, 2028. Before those Games open, a second flame will travel through the United States.
LA28 confirmed the outline on September 29, 2026, in the same announcement that put the start of the Olympic relay in Atlanta.
What LA28 Has Confirmed
| Detail | Announced |
|---|---|
| Flame created | Stoke Mandeville, England |
| When the relay runs | After the Olympic Games close in August 2028 |
| Paralympic Games | August 15 to 27, 2028 |
| US starting point | To be announced |
| Presenting partners | Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate, Xfinity (both relays) |
| Torchbearers | Public nomination process, details in the coming months |
The Olympic Games run July 14 to 30, 2028, so the Paralympic relay has about two weeks between the two Games.
Why Stoke Mandeville
In 1948, on the day the London Olympics opened, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann held an archery competition for 16 wheelchair athletes at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England. Those Stoke Mandeville Games grew into the Paralympics. (The full story.)
For years, each host lit its Paralympic flame its own way. From Sochi 2014, Stoke Mandeville held a "Heritage Flame" lighting that contributed to each Games' flame. In October 2023 the International Paralympic Committee made it permanent: starting with Paris 2024, the Paralympic flame itself is created at Stoke Mandeville for every Games.
LA28 will be the third Games to follow that rule, after Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026.
What Paris Did
The Paris 2024 Paralympic flame was lit at Stoke Mandeville on August 24, 2024 by British Paralympians Helene Raynsford and Gregor Ewan. It crossed to France, and 1,000 torchbearers carried it from August 25 to 28 before the Games opened. That's about a tenth the size of Paris's Olympic relay, and a short, dense run is a reasonable guess for how LA28's will look.
What We Don't Know Yet
- Where the Paralympic flame enters the United States
- How many days and states the Paralympic relay covers
- How many Paralympic torchbearers there will be, and how they're chosen
- Where the Paralympic Opening Ceremony cauldron is lit. LA28 has said the Paralympic Opening Ceremony will be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and the Closing Ceremony at the Coliseum.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2028 Paralympic torch relay?
In August 2028, after the Olympic Games close on July 30 and before the Paralympic Games open on August 15.
Where does the Paralympic flame come from?
Stoke Mandeville, England, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. Since Paris 2024 the flame for every Paralympic Games is created there.
Will the Paralympic relay visit all 50 states?
LA28 hasn't said. The 50-state commitment applies to the Olympic relay. The Paralympic route and US starting point will be announced later.
Can I nominate someone to carry the Paralympic torch?
LA28 says the public will be able to nominate torchbearers for both relays, with details coming. Watch LA28's torch relay page.
Where I Come In
I'm campaigning to carry the Olympic flame in 2028, and I'll cover the Paralympic relay here as closely as the Olympic one. If you'd back me, add your name here. For news on both relays, sign up for updates.