Australia’s best will take their place on the international stage next month, with a team of Para Dancers competing in the Hong Kong Para Dance International Sport Competition.
This World AbilitySports event, set to be held at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre from March 22-23, will feature Australia’s largest-ever contingent of Para Dancers, a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the sport.
The Australian Para Dance team consists of five para dancers: Amanda Smith, Danielle Stitfall, Heidi Prindiville, Liz Bleakley, and Samantha Hall, along with their able-bodied dance partners Alister Hermann, James Bardill, Peter Hegarty, and Simon Mills. Team manager Deborah Hegarty and team coach Darryl Davenport will support the team.
The dancers will compete alongside their partners in the Combi Standard, Latin, and Freestyle categories, as well as the Single Five Dance and Freestyle events.
In another milestone for Australia, Judy Pegus will serve as the nation’s first judge on the panel at an international Para Dance event, further solidifying Australia’s presence in the sport.
The landmark event offers Australian competitors the opportunity to qualify for the
World Para Dance Sport Championships in Slovakia later this year.
The Hong Kong International Competition is expected to attract approximately 100 wheelchair dancers from around the world.