The planning that goes into hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a monumental undertaking, extending far beyond athletic competition. For two UCLA Luskin students, John Kerr and Peyton Johnson, a recent trip to Milan and Paris offered a firsthand look at the complexities of creating truly inclusive global events. Funded through a partnership between UCLA Luskin and the David Bohnett Foundation, their experience underscored the critical importance of accessibility and equity in all stages of Games preparation – lessons they’ll now bring to bear as Los Angeles prepares to host in 2028.
Kerr, a master’s student in urban and regional planning and Johnson, pursuing a master’s in social welfare, weren’t simply observing from the sidelines. They were immersed in the logistical and planning processes, participating in intensive sessions with city officials and organizers. Their journey began in Milan, gearing up to host the 2026 Winter Paralympics, and continued to Paris, where they studied accessibility initiatives following the 2024 Summer Olympics. The goal: to understand how major sporting events can be leveraged to create lasting positive change for communities.
John Kerr (left) and Peyton Johnson (right) stand in front of Seine River in Paris, France.
Milan and Paris: Different Approaches to Inclusive Games
In Milan, Kerr and Johnson focused on the Cultural Olympiad – the events and programming surrounding the athletic competitions – and the intricate logistics of ensuring an inclusive experience for athletes, spectators, and local residents. They engaged with officials from the Milano Cortina Organizing Committee (MiCo OCOG), gaining insight into the challenges of adapting existing infrastructure and creating modern spaces that cater to diverse needs. The 2026 Winter Paralympics are scheduled to take place March 6-15, 2026, according to the official Paralympic website.
Paris offered a different perspective, allowing the fellows to study post-Games planning and accessibility efforts following the 2024 Summer Olympics. This included examining how the city is integrating accessibility improvements into its long-term urban development plans. The Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with the Paralympics following from August 28 to September 8, 2024, as detailed on the official Paris 2024 website.
A 2,000-Year-Old Arena, Reimagined
A particularly striking example of this commitment to inclusivity came during a visit to the historic Verona Arena in Italy, the planned site for the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. The arena, dating back to the 1st century AD, presented unique accessibility challenges. Kerr described the experience as profoundly impactful. “Standing in a 2,000-year-old stadium, built by the Romans, and seeing how it was being updated to grow accessible to people with different mobility needs showed me that positive transformation is possible anywhere and everywhere,” he said. The installation of the arena’s first elevator, although preserving its architectural integrity, symbolized this commitment.
The Verona Arena’s transformation, as reported by ArchDaily, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to blending historical preservation with modern accessibility standards. The fellows also observed how MiCo26 organizers planned a spectacular Opening Ceremony featuring over 600 athletes from 55 nations, alongside artistic performances designed to celebrate the unifying power of sport.
Lessons for Los Angeles 2028
For Kerr, the experience highlighted the unique demands of hosting global events. “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are totally unique, and despite being a regular occurrence every four years, the production of the Games is basically built from the ground up each time,” he explained. “The approach of each host city also varies considerably… Los Angeles doesn’t need to strive to replicate the experience of prior hosts, it’s really up to us to define the experience for ourselves.”
Johnson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for major events to drive lasting change. “Observing the MiCo26 Winter Games while they were happening and visiting Paris two years after hosting the Paris24 Summer Games illuminated the opportunity for meaningful change sparked by major sporting events,” she said. In Milan, she noted, investments in transit and cultural institutions were intentionally designed with accessibility as a priority. Paris, meanwhile, continues to redesign neighborhoods to ensure inclusive public spaces for all.
MURP and Bohnett Fellow, John Kerr, on a tour of the Paralympic Village in Milan, Italy.
As Bohnett Fellows within the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Major Events, Kerr and Johnson are uniquely positioned to translate these international insights into local impact. Established in 2007, the Bohnett Fellowship provides UCLA Luskin graduate students with hands-on experience in city government, tackling pressing urban challenges. Johnson believes the 2028 Games present a pivotal opportunity for Los Angeles. “The LA28 Games present Los Angeles with the opportunity of a lifetime to advance equity throughout the city and reimagine our governing systems,” she said. “Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games is no small task, but returning to the guiding principles of accessibility and equity always motivate the work.”
The Los Angeles Organizing Committee is currently focused on finalizing venue plans and developing its sustainability and inclusion strategies, with key updates expected throughout 2024, as outlined on the official LA28 website. The lessons learned in Milan and Paris will undoubtedly inform these efforts, ensuring that the 2028 Games leave a lasting legacy of accessibility and inclusion for all Angelenos.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about urban planning and accessibility related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This proves not intended to provide professional advice.
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