The Maltese Closed and German Open Wheelchair Latin American Dance Champions, Steven Fenech and Mandy Ghio, were recently in Poland to compete in the Polish Open Wheelchair Dance Championships. Lufthansa Airlines sponsored the airfares of the couple, which enabled them to travel to Warsaw.

As from 2008, Malta may not be allowed to compete in International Competitions under the International Paralympic Committee rules, as unfortunately there are no other disabled sports organisations interested in competing in the Paralympics and forming a National Paralympic Organisation. The Malta Wheelchair DanceSport has, for the past five years, been trying to find a solution to the problem. A spokesman said: “It seems a pity and is very sad, that now Malta is doing so well in this sport it will not be allowed to compete in official competitions. It is unfortunate that in Malta, there is so little interest from other disabled people in sport. All sport is an excellent form of recreation and keeping fit, whether the person is non-disabled or disabled.”

The association would be interested in hearing from anybody who is interested in wheelchair dancing, both standing and in a wheelchair, or who may be able to help Malta gain international recognition. For further information contact 9986-4110 or visit the website: www.maltawda.com

The photograph on the right shows Lufthansa representative Marie Sammut, Steven Fenech, Mandy Ghio and trainer Pippa Roberts.