SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Finally - Special Olympics is offering Dance Sport as an official S.O. sport through their affiliate program!
What Does This Mean?
S.O. offers some sports directly organised and coached internally and some sports like Gymnastics, Tennis, Golf and now Dance Sport through affiliates sporting organisations, we are proud to be the first ever affiliated Dance Company in Qld.
JOIN OUR SPECIAL OLYMPICS DANCE CLASSES:
About the National Games
The Games have been held every 4 years since 1986. Athletes from all over Australia with intellectual disability and/or autism will come together to participate!
2026 will be the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics in Australia– a big celebration!
When & Where
- The Games will be held 19-23 October 2026
- The location is Albert Park in Melbourne, VIC
- The event runs for 5 days, Monday – FridayAbout
Who Can Join the Dance Team?
- The state team is for athletes 15 years and older by October 2026
- You must audition or be selected to join
- Anyone can audition
- Athletes selected will be placed in Division A or B to match their ability
- If selected, you need to complete an Athlete Medical Assessment using a form called a Health Care Assessment Form
- This dance team is separate from your dance studio – it is run by Special Olympics Australia
Commitment and Rehearsals
- Trainings are 1 hour per dance style, per week
- You can join more than one dance style
- This is a 12-month commitment, from October 2025 to October 2026
- There will be extra rehearsals throughout the year at a time that suits everyone on the team
Performances and Events
- You will perform at the Special Olympics Australia National Games!
- There will be workshops and/or performances every day.
- Dance is a demonstration sport, not a competition, at the Games.
Dance Styles and Costumes
- Dance styles offered:
➤ Jazz
➤ Lyrical/Contemporary/Ballet
➤ Pom
➤ Ballroom Couple
- Costumes are not included in the class fees
- There are separate costume costs
- You keep your costumes after the event
Costs and What’s Included
- Cost to join:
➤ $100 Special Olympics Australia membership fee
➤ $15 per dance training, per week
➤ National Games entry fee price TBC
- This fee includes:
➤ Sports training all year
➤ Demonstration and workshops at the Games
➤ Fun social activities
➤ Supporting inclusion and community
- Need help?
➤ Talk to your State Dance Coordinator
Can I use my NDIS funding?
Special Olympics Australia are not a registered NDIS service provider. However, as we offer Social and Community Participation activities, you may
be able to claim your weekly trainings through your NDIS plan if it is Self or Plan Managed under Core Supports, depending on your goals.
Core Supports budget
- Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
- (Group And Centre Based Activities) or (Participation In Community, Social And Civic Activities).
Costs to attend National Games
- DanceSport Levy
➤ Levy is TBC
➤ This will be charged per athlete
➤ Attendance at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
- This fee includes:
➤ Venue Costs
➤ Potential Group Accommodation options
➤ Presentation Items
➤ Travel to and from the National Games will be at the cost of the athletes. This is not part of the DanceSport Levy
- Need help?
For Parents and Guardians
- Parents, guardians, family and friends can come and watch the performances at the Games
- There will be supervision at all events
- Dancers will need to organise their own travel
- Your State Dance Coordinator can help
Why Become a Special Olympics Member?
- Opportunities to compete in local and state competitions in 2026, in the lead up to the Games
- Be considered for athlete leader roles
- Cheaper weekly training programs
- Lower costs for social events
- Online fitness support and resources
Membership Fee: $100 per year (1 January to 31 December each year)
Questions?
Email: qld.dancesport@specialolympics.com.au
Ready to audition?
Email: qld.dancesport@specialolympics.com.au