Downey to host Paralympics Ireland ahead of LA28

DOWNEY — Paralympics Ireland athletes and staff will arrive in Downey this month for a 10-day training and familiarization camp as the organization begins preparing for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The delegation will be based in Downey from Aug. 12-22, using the visit for athlete training and to evaluate facilities, transportation, accommodations, accessibility, climate and other logistical considerations throughout the Los Angeles region.

City officials said the camp will help Paralympics Ireland make operational decisions ahead of LA28 while allowing athletes to train in Southern California.

“We are honored to welcome Paralympics Ireland to Downey as they continue their preparations for the LA28 Paralympic Games,” Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said. “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.”

The city is working with Downey Unified School District and Downey High School to support the delegation’s visit.

Richard Doyle, operations lead for Paralympics Ireland, said the camp will give athletes and staff an opportunity to better understand the region before the Games.

“We are delighted with the relationships we have begun to build with the City of Downey, Downey Unified School District, Downey High School and the wider local community,” Doyle said. “This camp will give our athletes and staff an important opportunity to train in Southern California while also helping our performance and operations teams to better understand the environment, facilities, transport and logistics that will shape our preparations for LA28. We look forward to working closely with our local partners throughout the camp and exploring how these relationships can continue to develop in the lead up to the Games.”

A free community event will be held Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Downey High School.

Residents will be able to learn about Paralympic sports, watch members of the Irish delegation participate in a table tennis exhibition and meet athletes and staff.

Additional details will be announced on the city’s website and social media accounts.

Downey’s connection to Ireland dates to the city’s founder and namesake, John Gately Downey, an Irish immigrant who became California’s seventh governor. He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland.

Downey established a sister city relationship with County Roscommon in 2013.

Paralympics Ireland is the country’s National Paralympic Committee and is responsible for preparing and managing Ireland’s team at the Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles will host its first Paralympic Games in 2028.