World Para Dance Sport has announced that the 2017 World Championships will be held in the Belgian town of Malle ©IPC

World Para Dance Sport has announced that the 2017 World Championships, the world’s biggest gathering of Para-dancers, will be held in the Belgian town of Malle between October 21 and 22.

Around 150 athletes from 25 countries are expected to compete in the event that is being hosted at the Provincial Education Centre.

"For the first time ever a Para-dance sport World Championship will be organised in Belgium," Jef Boudewijns, President of the Belgian Wheelchair Dance Sport Federation, said.

"During three successful editions of the Belgian Open between 2014 and 2016 we were able to form a competent and motivated team.

"We now have sufficient know-how and enthusiasm to organise a World Championships.

"First and foremost, we will offer athletes from all over the world a fantastic competition.

"Moreover, we are convinced that this event will give a boost to Para-dance sport in Belgium. 

"You cannot find a better promotion for our sport.

"We look forward to seeing everyone in October next year."

Around 150 athletes from 25 countries are expected to take part in the event due to be held in October 2017 ©Roman Benicky
Around 150 athletes from 25 countries are expected to take part in the event due to be held in October 2017 ©Roman Benicky

Para-dance sport is on the rise with the first Asian Championships held in New Taipei City in Chinese Taipei earlier this year. 

The latest edition of the European Championships were held in Kosice in Slovakia as the sport enjoyed an expanded competition calendar.

South Korean dancers made history as they dominated the Asian Championships, winning six gold medals.

"Several very successful competitions have been held in Belgium in recent years and we are excited by what the Local Organising Committee will do for the World Championships," added Camila Rodrigues, World Para Dance Sport's manager.

"I am confident that with their enthusiasm and experience, Malle 2017 will allow us to build on the previous editions as Para-dance sport continues to grow in popularity around the world."

World Para Dance Sport was recently one of the 10 sports that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) rebranded.

The name has been changed from IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport.

The decision to change the names for each sport was taken to make each Para-sport more distinctive from their Olympic or able-bodied equivalents. 

The 2015 World Championships in Rome in Italy attracted around the same numbers that are expected in Malle.