The Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (UK) are delighted to announce that representing Team GB for Wheelchair Dance Sport in 2016 will be Paula Moulton and Gary Lyness who are set to compete in the 2016 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport approved competition in Finland on the 30th April and 1st May, 2016, and the 2016 IPC WDS International Mainhatten Cup in Germany on the 28th and 29th May 2016.
The Manchester based couple are looking to compete in the Latin class 2 Select category, and Paula will compete as a single lady competitor, this is the Singles set IPC event of 5 dances competition. The couple hope to improve upon the success they achieved in 2015 where they came 2nd overall in the IPC competition in Serbia. This ranking is an exceptional achievement and is a culmination of all the hard work and training the couple have put into the sport of Wheelchair Dance over many years.
Wheelchair Dance is a growing sport across the UK and a sport that is recognised by the International Paralympic Committee. However, although the sport of Wheelchair Dance is growing at both a grass root and elite level, the continual lack of funding makes it increasingly difficult for couples like Paula and Gary to progress competitively to a higher level. This is due to limited resources and a heavy reliance on self-funding and sponsorship donations. Despite the WDSA (UK) constantly exploring possible new funding opportunities to help couples like Paula and Gary, this is often a long and disheartening process
“ In order to continue to increase participation levels as well as helping individuals and couples to progress to both national and international competitions The Wheelchair Dance Association (UK) is in need of additional sponsorship. The national governing body relies heavily on the work of volunteers, donations and sponsorship from companies and individuals. Although we have British and International competitions we also need more sponsorship to help our members and couples similar to Paula and Gary advance in the sport of Wheelchair Dance.” said Patrick McGeough, Chief Executive Officer
If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring Team GB or sponsoring Wheelchair Dance Sport UK official competitions, the next competition in the UK is in October 2016. Please contact the Wheelchair Dance Sport Association (UK) on 0300 11 30 45 or email info@wdsauk.co.uk