The atmosphere during the Malta Open Dance Spectacular held at the end of 2006 was fantastic. Held at the New University Sports Hall, under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr Edward Fenech-Adami, the event showed everyone the ability of different kinds of dancers. The friendliness during the competitions was a credit to all who competed and a great way to finish the year of dance competitions.

With 13 countries attending the event, which included the Malta Open Wheelchair Dance Championships as well as the Amateur Ballroom and Latin Challenge Cup Championships, it was exciting to see. Maltese dancers win so many competitions. Steve Fenech and Mandy Ghio placed third in the Combi Championship Class Two Latin American and fourth in the Combi Championship Class Two Ballroom. Daniella Borg and Redeemer Gatt placed first and Marylene Debono and Nicholas Sammut placed fourth in the four dance Combi Class Two Latin American competition. Daniella Borg and Sarah Gatt placed second in the Duo Class Two for the Dance Ballroom competition. It was a great pity for those dancers who did not compete or attend as the standard of dancing was excellent, giving the international panel of adjudicators a very difficult job. The cabaret by the adjudicators and officials was absolutely fantastic and was greatly appreciated by the audience and competitors.

All the competitors from abroad are looking forward to the next competition organised by the MWDA. It is a pity that Malta has no sport federation recognised by the International Paralympic Committee, since members of the IPC who attended said that Malta would be ideal for the next world championships of wheelchair dance due to the excellent facilities and organisation. The main sponsors for the event were Vodafone Foundation, Air Malta, The Ministry for Tourism and Culture, Ministry for Health, the Elderly and Community Care, Malta Sports Council and Suncrest Hotel.

However, the greatest thanks must also go to all the sponsors and dance teachers, who supported and helped make the Malta Open Dance Spectacular an international success, which is now recognised throughout the world.

The competitions ended with a party on Monday night, when non-disabled dancers not only danced with wheelchair dancers, but tried dancing in wheelchairs. This was truly an integrated event from start to finish. For more details about wheelchair dancing, contact the Malta Wheelchair DanceSport Association by email: [email protected] or visit the website: www.maltawda.com to see photos of the event.

International Dance Shoes UK

supports wheelchair dancing

Meanwhile, during this same event, it was announced that International Dance Shoes UK will be sponsoring the Maltese Wheelchair Latin American and Ballroom Champions, Steven Fenech and Mandy Ghio. The couple were presented with shoes and accessories by Nigel and Janice Horrocks from England and Mrs Josephine Buttigieg from Malta, who represented the company at the event.

The couple, who have been dancing together for two years, are reaching all the major championship finals, always placing second or third in recent competitions.

This is the first wheelchair dance couple to be sponsored by International Dance Shoes, which is supporting this new and exciting form of dance.