Para and Ability Dance WA Inc. (PADWA) has completed a comprehensive feasibility study into establishing national and international DanceSport competitions for people with disability in Western Australia. The study was made possible through funding provided by the Western Australian Government’s Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport. The grant enabled PADWA to undertake extensive research, stakeholder consultation, venue assessments, market analysis and strategic planning.
The study assessed the feasibility of three major events:
- Special Olympics Australia National DanceSport Competition – assessed as feasible and recommended to proceed as Australia’s first dedicated national DanceSport competition for athletes with intellectual disability.
- National Para DanceSport Competition – assessed as feasible and identified as the highest strategic priority, providing a nationally recognised pathway for Para athletes and supporting classification, coaching and athlete development.
- International Inclusive DanceSport Festival – found to be technically feasible but recommended as a longer-term goal, following the successful establishment of strong national competitions.
The report concludes that Western Australia is ideally positioned to become Australia’s leader in disability DanceSport due to its existing expertise, infrastructure, accessibility and partnerships. It recommends a staged development model beginning with national events before progressing to an international festival.
The study also identifies significant economic and community benefits, including increased tourism, visitor expenditure, volunteer development, greater participation opportunities, stronger athlete pathways and enhanced social inclusion for people with disability.
Building the Future of Inclusive DanceSport in Western Australia
Para and Ability Dance WA is proud to announce the completion of its Feasibility Study into National and International Disability DanceSport Competitions in Western Australia.
This significant project has laid the foundations for creating stronger competition pathways for athletes with disability while positioning Western Australia as a national leader in inclusive sport.
The study explored three exciting opportunities:
- Australia’s first Special Olympics Australia National DanceSport Competition
- A nationally recognised National Para DanceSport Competition
- A future International Inclusive DanceSport Festival that would welcome athletes from around the world.
The findings confirm that Western Australia has the experience, partnerships, venues and accessibility required to successfully host national disability DanceSport events and, in time, an international festival that would deliver lasting sporting, social and tourism benefits.
Importantly, the study recommends a staged approach—building strong national competitions first before expanding onto the international stage. This pathway provides the greatest opportunity for sustainable growth while creating meaningful opportunities for athletes with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities.
Beyond competition, these events have the potential to generate significant benefits for the Western Australian community through increased tourism, volunteer development, workforce capability, economic activity and greater community awareness of disability inclusion.
Thank You
Para and Ability Dance WA sincerely acknowledges the support of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Trade, whose funding made this important feasibility study possible.
The Department’s investment enabled extensive consultation, research and planning that will guide the future development of inclusive DanceSport in Western Australia. This support demonstrates a commitment to creating accessible sporting opportunities, strengthening community participation and positioning Western Australia as a welcoming destination for inclusive events.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, partner organisations and stakeholders who generously contributed their knowledge and experience throughout the project.
Together, we are creating new pathways where people of all abilities can participate, compete and achieve their full potential through DanceSport.
The completion of this study marks an important milestone, and we look forward to working with government, sporting organisations and the wider community to bring these exciting opportunities to life.
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