As well as being the first time at a Games, Mersin 2026 heralds the start of dedicated junior competitions for Para dance.  

The programme features the World Para Dance Sport Youth and Senior International Competition, featuring men’s and women’s freestyle class 1 and 2, powerchair and combi and duo class 1 and 2 as well as Latin and standard medal events. 

The junior dancers will compete in the single freestyle class 1 and 2 and powerchair as well as the conventional singles class 1 and 2, showcasing up-and-coming dancers from around the world.  

Competition will be held on an outdoor dance floor, giving dancers a beautiful open-air arena in which to express themselves – another first for Para dance. 

Agnes Oluoch, Caroline Wanjiru, Martin Dansteve Mwenda and Travis Njorge Kimani will make history as Kenya become the latest new country to join the sport, as well as leading the way for African countries. 

Italy’s Marta Concas will be the youngest competitor in dance at Mersin 2026. 

Leading the hopes of a strong delegation from the host country is one of Türkiye’s most successful Para dancers, Baris Bayraktar. 

Bayraktar competes as the European and World Championships silver medallist in both the men’s singles and men’s singles freestyle class 1.  

The 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games is one of the world’s leading development events for young Para athletes with this edition featuring three sports overall. In addition to Para dance sport, Para fencing and Para badminton are also on the programme. The whole Games runs from 15-22 June and features 325 athletes overall. Results and competition schedules for all sports can be viewed here.