Special Olympics hits the dance floor

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - People danced for the gold at the Grand Wayne Center Saturday and Sunday.

It was the third annual Special Olympics Indiana Championships for Ballroom Dance. There were two competitions at the center, an amateur ballroom and a special olympics. Each couple in the special olympics danced the same dances as the amateur couples.

"They dance the waltz, fox trot, the rumba, the cha-cha and the swing and they dance the bronze level of those dances which is if you're learning how to dance that's the beginning of dancing. they can learn up to 12 steps in the bronze level," said Vivian Hans, Organizer of Fort Wayne Championships.

Each couple paid a small fee to participate. Awards Coordinator Jane McGill said the excitement and experience was like Christmas Day.

""I never was involved with anyone with special needs of any kind before this and it's a heart changing [experience]," said McGill.

The special olympics couples also received free dance training. Huntington County's Special Coordinator Carrol Austin said the training is extensive.

""The dancers train at least once a week from November until the competition comes at the end of July and into the first of august every year," said Austin.

The event had around 210 competitors.