The Illawarra Basketball Club in Kiama is thrilled to announce a fantastic upcoming event for Special Olympics Clubs. In a groundbreaking partnership, Special Olympics Australia has joined forces with DanceSport Australia, aiming to create more inclusive programs in dance schools all across the country.
Judy Pegus, the Chairwoman of DanceSport WA, expressed her excitement as she shared the organisation's goal of becoming a truly diverse and inclusive sport. Already offering well-attended all-abilities programs and competitions, DanceSport WA has been able to expand its community reach and even become eligible for government funding.
Now, with this new partnership, Special Olympics competitions will be formally integrated within DanceSport national and state competitions. This means that athletes from Special Olympics will have the opportunity to compete at a national level once a year through DanceSport competitions, in addition to the Special Olympics National Games held every four years.
Corene Strauss, the CEO of Special Olympics Australia, couldn't hide her enthusiasm as she spoke about the impact this partnership will have. Adding DanceSport as a new sport offering to their Games means that individuals in the DanceSport community will now have a chance to compete through the Special Olympics pathway.
Australia is at the forefront of this exciting movement within the global Special Olympics community, being among the first countries to introduce DanceSport programs. The upcoming Special Olympics National Games in Launceston, Tasmania in 2022 will even feature a DanceSport demonstration event. And that's just the beginning! DanceSport will officially become a sport at the subsequent National Games in 2026 and World Games in 2027.
So mark your calendars and spread the word! This incredible partnership between Special Olympics Australia and DanceSport Australia is set to pave the way for more inclusive and diverse sporting opportunities. It's an event you don't want to miss!
