Olympic Lacrosse

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a groundbreaking announcement – lacrosse, in its exciting ‘sixes’ format, is set to become an official Olympic Sport for the LA28 Olympic Games.

In early October, lacrosse was one of the sports officially proposed to the IOC, alongside Baseball/Softball, Flag Football, Cricket, and Squash. Lacrosse has not been on the Olympic stage since 1908 ([olympics.com], n.d.).

The inclusion of lacrosse, along with its fellow new additions (Baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, and squash), marks a significant turning point in the world of sports.

As World Lacrosse stated, this is a monumental step for the sport, achieved through the unwavering support of countless individuals, from coaches and players to passionate fans worldwide (World Lacrosse, 2021).

Lacrosse’s roots trace back to the Indigenous people of Eastern North America, over the years, it has transcended cultural boundaries and captured the hearts of athletes and enthusiasts across the globe (History Cooperative, n.d.).

As we eagerly anticipate its presence on the grand Olympic stage in LA28, lacrosse continues to grow and thrive, embodying the spirit of competition, and the unifying power of sports. With lacrosse’s inclusion, we celebrate not just the sport but the human connections it fosters across the world.

Even though lacrosse has had some limited exposure in Olympic history, this is an amazing opportunity to present the more modern, fast-paced game that we have grown to love on the Olympic stage!

Resources

History Cooperative. (n.d.). Origins of Lacrosse: Unveiling the History of Lacrosse and Its Native American Roots. http://historycooperative.org/origins-of-lacrosse-unveiling-the-history-of-lacrosse-and-its-native-american-roots/

[olympics.com]. (n.d.). LA28 proposes five additional sports for Olympic Games in 2028. Retrieved from https://olympics.com/en/news/la28-proposes-five-additional-sports-olympic-games-2028

World Lacrosse. (2021, August 12). Lacrosse added to Olympic Program for LA28 Olympic Games. World Lacrosse. https://worldlacrosse.sport/news/lacrosse-added-to-olympic-program-for-la28-olympic-games/