Olympic & Paralympic Day Brings Sport, Inspiration, and Inclusion to Salem

On June 23, I had the privilege of representing table tennis at Olympic & Paralympic Day at the Marion/Polk YMCA in Salem, Oregon. The event brought together Olympians, Paralympians, YMCA staff, community members, and young athletes for an afternoon focused on sport, inclusion, and the values that unite the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

The day was organized by the U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association and featured two sports that showcase very different, yet equally inspiring, athletic journeys: Goalball and Table Tennis.

Learning About Goalball

The afternoon began with an introduction to Goalball, one of the most unique sports in the Paralympic Games. Developed specifically for athletes with visual impairments, Goalball requires players to rely on hearing, communication, and spatial awareness as they defend and attack using a ball containing bells. 

Watching the athletes demonstrate the sport was remarkable. Participants and spectators quickly gained a new appreciation for the skill, courage, and teamwork required to compete at the highest level. Many attendees had never seen Goalball before, and the demonstration became one of the highlights of the day.

The Goalball athletes were not only outstanding competitors, but tremendous ambassadors for the Paralympic movement. Their willingness to share their experiences helped everyone better understand the challenges and opportunities that adaptive sports create.

Sharing the Sport of Table Tennis

Following the Goalball activities, the event moved to the YMCA's Capital Room, where I had the opportunity to introduce attendees to table tennis.

Many people know table tennis as a recreational activity, but few realize the incredible athleticism, strategy, speed, and precision required at the Olympic level. During the presentation, I shared some of the basic rules of the sport, demonstrated key skills, and discussed my experiences competing in the Olympic Games.

What made the session particularly enjoyable was the opportunity to get people playing. Beginners, YMCA members, Olympians, Paralymians, and community guests all picked up paddles and quickly discovered just how much fun table tennis can be.

The YMCA provided an excellent setting for introducing new players to the game. Before long, every table was active with rallies, laughter, and friendly competition.

Olympic Memories on Display

One of the most rewarding parts of the afternoon was sharing Olympic and Paralympic memorabilia with attendees. Medals, commemorative items, and stories from past Games sparked conversations with both adults and children.

For many young visitors, seeing Olympic and Paralympic medals up close made the Games feel real in a way that television never can. Questions flowed throughout the afternoon:

• What does it feel like to compete in the Olympics?

• How many hours do athletes train?

• What happens inside the Olympic Village?

• How does someone become an Olympian or Paralymian?

Those conversations reminded me why outreach events like this matter. They connect the next generation to dreams that suddenly seem possible.

More Than Sport

Olympic & Paralympic Day is about more than competition. It celebrates excellence, friendship, respect, determination, inspiration, courage, and inclusion.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came from watching Goalball athletes, Olympians, Paralymians, YMCA members, and local families interact as equals through sport. The barriers that often separate people disappeared. Everyone was simply learning, playing, and enjoying the experience together.

That spirit is what makes both the Olympic and Paralympic movements so special.

Looking Ahead

A special thank you goes to the Marion/Polk YMCA, the U.S. Olympians & Paralympians Association, the volunteers, and the athletes who helped make the event possible.

I would also like to recognize two longtime friends and supporters of our sport, Kevin Young and Hanna Butler Schmidt of the Willamette Table Tennis Club. Their participation helped showcase the welcoming spirit of the table tennis community and provided attendees with an opportunity to interact with experienced players who continue to promote and grow the sport in Oregon. It was especially meaningful to share the day with friends who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to table tennis over the years.

As someone who has spent a lifetime in sport, I continue to be inspired by opportunities like this. Whether through table tennis, Goalball, or any other activity, sport has an incredible ability to bring people together, create understanding, and change lives.

Olympic & Paralympic Day in Salem accomplished exactly that.

"Thank you, Sean, for allowing me to help represent table tennis on a day that is so dear to my heart. I work just around the corner at North Salem High School with students who face both mental and physical challenges. Every day, our community strives to bring people together through sports, academics, life skills, friendships, and community outreach.

One of the highlights of the day was watching Goalball, an incredible Paralympic sport that demonstrated teamwork, communication, and trust in such a unique way. It was inspiring. Later, we moved to the table tennis area where we introduced visitors to our sport and invited anyone interested to pick up a paddle. The entire event welcomed everyone, regardless of age or ability, and showed how inclusive table tennis can truly be.

Sean is a true inspiration to me. He arrives with a smile, a warm heart, and a genuine passion for helping others discover a sport that promotes movement, hand-eye coordination, confidence, friendly competition, and lifelong friendships. What a gift that is for all of us.

Events like this only happen because so many people work behind the scenes. I especially want to thank John McArdle, who played such an important role in making the day possible. While I may not know everyone who contributed, please know that I am deeply grateful to each of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

— Hanna Butler Schmidt

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About the Author

Sean P. O'Neill, OLY is a two-time U.S. Olympian, five-time U.S. Men's Singles Champion, NBC Olympic table tennis commentator, President of the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame, and Director of Sponsorships/Social Media at Paddle Palace. Sean has coached players from beginners to Paralympians and is passionate about helping people of all ages enjoy and improve at table tennis.