With LA Olympics on horizon, Ireland’s Para Table Tennis athletes show skills in Downey

The sound of high-speed, back-and-forth clicks echoed in the gymnasium of Sussman Middle School in Downey as athletes from Paralympics Ireland’s Para Table Tennis team showed off their skills to the community.

The city of Downey, Downey Unified School District and Paralympics Ireland hosted a community event on Thursday, Aug. 20, featuring a table tennis exhibition and opportunities to meet athletes and staff as part of the delegation’s familiarization and training camp ahead of the 2028 Paralympic Games.

The delegation will be in Downey through Saturday, according to a city press release. Throughout the 10-day visit, Downey will serve as the delegation’s base of operations, providing Paralympics Ireland athletes with access to training sessions while the organization’s staff evaluates facilities, transportation, accommodations, accessibility, climate, and other logistical considerations throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

“We are honored to welcome Paralympics Ireland to Downey as they continue their preparations for the LA28 Paralympic Games,” Mayor Claudia Frometa said in a statement ahead of the visit. “This visit reflects the collaboration and hospitality that defines our community and connected history. We look forward to sharing our city with the delegation while supporting their training and introducing them to the people, facilities and partnerships that make Downey such a special place.”

As part of the visit, the community event was hosted to provide residents with an opportunity to welcome and cheer on members of the Paralympic Ireland Para Table Tennis team, such as Paralympics Ireland athlete Colin Judge and Paralympics Ireland athlete Paddy Vaughan.