Kweh Jia Xuan's DanceSport Journey to Special Olympics Glory

In the vibrant world of Latin Dance, where rhythm and resilience intertwine, Kweh Jia Xuan stands out as a beacon of determination and joy. At just 23, this remarkable athlete with mild intellectual disabilities has not only represented Singapore at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 but has also become an inspiring figure through her infectious positivity and unwavering commitment to DanceSport. Her journey, marked by a Silver Medal in DanceSport, a leadership role with Special Olympics Singapore, and a passion for multiple sports, embodies the limitless potential of women who embrace their passions and empower others to do the same.

A Spark Ignited by Music and Family

Jia Xuan's love for Latin Dance ignited in her secondary school years at APSN Tanglin School, where the infectious rhythms of cha-cha, samba, and jive drew her in through co-curricular activities, offering a way to express herself through movement. "Because I really liked music and dancing, I decided to try Latin Dance as my co-curricular activity," she shares. But it wasn't just the music that drew her in—it was the influence of her mother, Olivia Oh, a former dancer herself.

Olivia, now 53, was a keen dancer nearly two decades ago, and her passion left an indelible mark on Jia Xuan. Though Olivia no longer dances, she remains her daughter's biggest cheerleader, often assisting with hair and makeup for performances. Olivia saw dance as more than just a hobby—it was a way for Jia Xuan to build confidence, stay healthy, and find joy. Now, Olivia is one of the Special Olympics DanceSport team's biggest fans, volunteering with the outreach and guiding Jia Xuan at home with tips on hip movement and posture. This maternal support laid the foundation for Jia Xuan's remarkable journey, transforming a school activity into a lifelong passion.

Five Years of Growth with Special Olympics Singapore

For the past five years, Jia Xuan has honed her craft with Special Olympics Singapore's DanceSport outreach, a program dedicated to empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through the art of dance. Under the guidance of her coach, Andy Ang, Jia Xuan has grown not only as a dancer but as a person. "Coach Andy is a very good coach. I have been coached by him since I was in Secondary 1 because he was also my Latin Dance CCA teacher. He is very patient with us even when we misbehave; he only scolds us sometimes. And afterwards, he would say sorry for scolding us - he is very kind!" she says. His supportive approach has created a nurturing environment for Jia Xuan's growth, allowing her to thrive in a space where she feels valued and motivated.

The most rewarding part of her DanceSport journey, Jia Xuan reflects, is the sense of community and the opportunity to perform. From local events to international stages, she has dazzled audiences with her grace and enthusiasm. One standout moment was her performance at the UAE's National Day Celebrations in Singapore in 2024, where her vibrant energy captivated the crowd. These experiences, coupled with her dedication, also led her to earn the prestigious United Kingdom Alliance Dance Bronze Medal in Latin Dance—a significant milestone that required rigorous training and mastery of technical skills. "I knew all the basic dance moves because I had been training for 10 years already since secondary school days," she explains.

A Historic Moment in Turin

In 2025, Jia Xuan made history as part of Singapore's inaugural DanceSport team at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the world's largest humanitarian sporting event. Welcoming nearly 1,500 athletes from over 100 nations, including 113 from the Asia Pacific region, the event was a celebration of diversity and determination. For the first time, DanceSport was included as an official sport, and Jia Xuan was part of Singapore's inaugural team of four athletes competing in Latin Dance. "I felt so happy and proud to represent Singapore, and bring back medals!" she says.

Competing in both the Couples and Team categories, Jia Xuan and her dance partner, Megan Tang, clinched a Silver Medal in the Couples event, while her team secured 4th place in the Team event. Her fellow teammates also shone, bringing home a Gold Medal in their Couples event, making it a triumphant moment for Team Singapore. The preparation for Turin was intense. Months of rigorous training sessions focused on perfecting choreography, building stamina, and fostering teamwork. Preparation was intense: "It was a little bit stressful while we were preparing for the World Winter Games competitions, because I had never gone to international competitions before." Performing on such a global stage was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but Jia Xuan's confidence, built through years of DanceSport, carried her through. Her favorite memory from Turin? "Dancing in the snow with my teammates," she says.

A Multi-Sport Star

DanceSport may be Jia Xuan's first love, but her passion for sports extends far beyond the dance floor. An multi-sport athlete, she is actively involved in dragon boating with "Different Dragons," a volunteer-run group, plays floorball weekly with Special Olympics Singapore, and cycles regularly. "Doing sports makes me happy and gives me more energy as I become stronger and healthier," she says. Balancing these activities alongside DanceSport requires discipline and time management, but for Jia Xuan, it's all about following her heart. "For me, it is about finding time to rest." Her love for sports is also about connection: "I love playing sports because I get to make new friends as well." Whether she's paddling in sync with her dragon boat team or mastering a new dance routine, Jia Xuan thrives in environments that challenge her physically and emotionally. Her ability to juggle multiple sports while excelling in DanceSport speaks to her resilience and zest for life.

Leading with Heart

Jia Xuan's infectious positivity and desire to give back have earned her a new role as an Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Singapore. Nominated by her coaches for her leadership qualities, she is determined to inspire others and promote inclusion. "I hope to let more people know about Unified Sports, because everybody (with and without disabilities) is the same," she says. Her cheerful energy and can-do attitude make her a natural role model, uplifting everyone around her. This leadership role is a responsibility she embraces wholeheartedly; her transformation from a shy secondary school student to a confident athlete competing on the world stage is a powerful example of what's possible with determination and support.

Beyond the Dance Floor

Before dedicating herself to training for the World Games, Jia Xuan worked as a kitchen helper at a childcare centre, where she was the only staff member with special needs. The experience was transformative, teaching her responsibility and teamwork while allowing her to bring joy to the children and her colleagues. She now works in a catering kitchen, learning valuable lessons: "I think in F&B, we learn about teamwork where everyone has a part to play to make things happen. I also learn about self-discipline and physical endurance." While her focus has been on DanceSport, Jia Xuan hopes to return to similar work, blending her love for helping others with her athletic pursuits.

A Moment of Empowered Confidence

DanceSport has been a cornerstone of Jia Xuan's growth, particularly in building her confidence. One moment stands out as particularly meaningful: her performance at OCBC Arena for the Play Inclusive 2023 opening ceremony: "I love the costumes, choreography and music for the Paso Doble performance," she recalls. The applause and encouragement from the audience reaffirmed her belief in herself, a feeling she carries into every performance.

Looking Ahead

As Jia Xuan looks to the future, her goals are clear: to continue excelling in DanceSport and inspiring others through her role with Special Olympics Singapore. She dreams of mastering new dances and perhaps even trying new sports. "I still love Latin Dance the most, and I hope to try more dance choreography for Chacha, Samba, Jive and Paso Doble," she says. "I also recently tried out table tennis as a sport with Special Olympics Singapore's fringe activities. I really like table tennis also, and have not played it since I was in secondary school. It is a fast-paced game and I enjoy it very much." Her ultimate goal reflects her empowerment vision: "I want to keep showing what the Special Olympics is all about – it's not just about the sport, it's about how sport can make a real difference in people's lives. It's about celebrating life in all its forms, meeting amazing people, and showing love, joy, and inclusion to everyone, not just the athletes."

A Legacy of Joy and Resilience

Kweh Jia Xuan's story is a celebration of triumph, not just in the medals she's won or the stages she's graced, but in the way she lives her life: with joy, courage, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. From her early days dancing to her mother's encouragement to her Silver Medal win in Turin, Jia Xuan has shown that passion, perseverance and support can overcome any obstacle. As she continues to dance, lead, and inspire, she reminds us all that the true power of sport lies in its ability to transform lives and bring people together.