Vodafone Malta Foundation supports the Malta Open Dance Spectacular

The event, held under the distinguished patronage of HE Dr. George Abela is taking place on November 24th and 25th 2012 at the University Sports Hall in Msida.

"Wheelchair dancing is a sport and art that promotes social integration.  This kind of dancing helps the non-disabled person to get to know the wheelchair user better as a personand not simply as someone with a disability," said Ms Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson of the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

"The Vodafone Malta Foundation supported this event since the begining since we believe that such events help eliminate many misconceptions about the abilities of wheelchair users and have the added advantage of encouraging new friendships."

Wheelchair dancing has been practised for over 27 years in different parts of the world, but started to feature in Malta in 1999. The Malta Wheelchair Dancesport Association was set up in 2001 with the aim of teaching people in wheelchairs to dance in a similair format to non-disabled persons. The Dance Spectacular gives Maltese wheelchair dancers the opportunity to compete with foreign dancers without the expense of travelling abroad.

This competition educates the general public, shows the ability as opposed to the disability of wheelchair users and integrates all dancers, non-disabled and disabled, in a competition atmosphere.

"With more than 12 countries taking part in this year's competition, including couples coming from as far away as Brazil, we are very much looking forward for people to see the great skills of these dancers," said Pippa Roberts, President of the MWDA. "We appreciate the support of the Vodafone Foundation, helping Malta in hosting such championships, now recognized as one of the major competitions in the world of wheelchair dance.This year we will also see the first ever international integrated team match, another first for Malta."

Tickets can be bought at the door at €12 each. Children under 10 years of age will enter free of charge.The competitions will be held between 2pm and 8pm and doors open at 2pm. For further information about the Malta Open Dance Spectacular visit www.maltawda.com.