Gladstone Regional's Basketball club is thrilled to announce a fantastic new opportunity for athletes with Special Olympics Clubs. A groundbreaking partnership has been formed between Special Olympics Australia and DanceSport Australia, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse programs in dance schools nationwide.
This exciting collaboration aims to create a truly diverse and inclusive sport environment. DanceSport WA, under the leadership of Chairwoman Judy Pegus, has already made great strides in this direction by offering well-attended all-abilities programs and competitions. These initiatives have not only increased their community reach but also made them eligible for state government funding.
The partnership between Special Olympics Australia and DanceSport Australia will now integrate Special Olympics competitions within DanceSport national and state competitions. This means that Special Olympics athletes will have the incredible opportunity to compete at a national level once a year through DanceSport events. In addition to the annual competitions, they will also continue to participate in the Special Olympics National Games, held every four years.
Corene Strauss, CEO of Special Olympics Australia, is thrilled about this partnership and the new opportunities it brings for Special Olympics athletes. She expressed her excitement, saying, “I am very excited that we are adding a new sport offering to our Games and an opportunity for people in the DanceSport community to compete through the Special Olympics pathway.”
Notably, Australia is one of the first countries within the global Special Olympics movement to introduce DanceSport programs. This demonstrates the country's commitment to inclusive sports and providing opportunities for all athletes to excel.
The upcoming Special Olympics National Games in Launceston, Tasmania in 2022 will feature a DanceSport demonstration event, showcasing the talent and dedication of the athletes. Following this, DanceSport will become an official sport at the subsequent National Games in 2026 and the World Games in 2027.
This exciting partnership marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports. Gladstone Regional's Basketball club is proud to support this initiative and encourages interested players to participate in this incredible event. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this historic moment in sports history!
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