Sivaks to test new events on European stage

“Each of our victories is the work of many people that help us reach our victories, reach our dream.”

Ukrainian double world champions, Nadiia and Ivan Sivak, have revealed that they are aiming to add a further two titles to their already stuffed trophy cabinet at the 2014 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport European Championships in Lomianki, Poland, from 8-9 November - but this time with separate partners.

After winning gold at December’s 2013 Worlds in Tokyo, Japan, in duo Latin and duo standard class 2, the husband and wife team decided to branch out and will take to the dance floor with able-bodied partners for two combi events.

At Lomianki 2014 Nadiia will dance with Dmytro Churchun and Ivan with Olesia Kostak in the combi standard class 2 and combi Latin respectively.

“During the entire time of our competitions we never changed our strategy: to have fun and to make sure the audience and judges are enjoying our performance and at the same time accomplish all the coach’s instructions,” the Sivak’s said.

They have already shown that they have what it takes to win in those events, with victory at the Rollstuhltanzfestival in Rheinsberg, Germany, in March.

“This tournament was very important for us,” Ivan said. “First reason is that it was an incredibly difficult time for our country. I think every athlete in such moments feels a double responsibility. Secondly, for the first time we went to Europe with a new category. And the fact that we had to dance three programs in one day, one after another added more emotions.”

Those emotions will be keenly felt once again at Lomianki 2014, with a busy schedule of dance over two days. Due to the importance of the competition, they have been training harder in order to give something back to those who have supported them in their careers.

“Feeling the support of our country, we fully concentrate our efforts on training,” they said. “Each of our victories is the work of many people that help us reach our victories, reach our dream.”

The 2014 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport European Championships will feature over 110 athletes from nearly 20 countries and also feature freestyle and singles competitions for the first time at a major international competition.