Launch Kit captured the 2024 Para Dance Sport International Competition, creating a documentary-style video to share athletes' inspiring stories and raise awareness for Para D
One of the coolest parts of being in the photography and videography business is that it gets you inside rooms you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. It opens doors. It builds connections. Photo and video are powerful storytelling tools—they let us meet people, see them in their element, and give them a platform to share their stories.
Launch Kit’s work with The RIM Foundation’s Dearborn 2024 Para Dance Sport International Competition and USA Open is the perfect example of this.
Launch Kit had the opportunity to do event videography for the Dearborn 2024 Para Dance Sport International Competition and USA Open, thanks to our client Ride Your Way—a wheelchair transportation service based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ride Your Way was the official transportation provider for the competition. With athletes flying in from multiple countries, their team was responsible for transporting competitors from the airport to their hotels and the competition venue in Dearborn, Michigan.
When Launch Kit videographer Noah Wyn heard about the event, it immediately caught his attention. Thomas Sikkema, the owner of Ride Your Way introduced Noah to the Para Dance team, and we pitched the idea of creating a documentary-style video to capture the heart of the competition. The Para Dance team was excited about the opportunity to share their story.
Para Dance has historically been more prominent in other countries, such as the Philippines and Mexico. However, there have been very few Para Dance competitions held in the United States. This has made it difficult for American athletes to compete due to the high costs and extensive travel required to attend international events.
Hosting an event in Dearborn, Michigan, was a game-changer for the U.S. Para Dance community. It was a chance to document the beauty of Para Dance, raise awareness, and inspire future events in the United States. A lofty goal, sure, but you have to start somewhere—and Launch Kit was honored to play a role in that movement.
Launch Kit videographer Noah Wyn led the project, with myself supporting as his assistant videographer.
Our goal was to create a short documentary-style video that included:
To pull this off, Noah and I attended the competition on Aug 11, 2024, in Dearborn, Michigan. We spent the first part of the day capturing b-roll footage, observing the competition, and getting to know the athletes. Building those personal connections was key—it allowed us to understand their individual stories before we sat down for formal interviews.
For interviews, we kept things simple yet professional, setting up in the venue’s lobby with:
The interviews flowed naturally, resulting in powerful, heartfelt conversations that gave depth to our documentary.
After the event, we returned with a collection of SD cards full of material and dove into editing.
We structured the narrative around the athletes' personal stories, allowing them to speak about:
Their passion for the sport was undeniable. Every frame and every word reinforced the importance of expanding Para Dance in the U.S. By crafting a compelling storytelling-driven video, we aimed to inspire greater awareness and future support for this growing sport.
This project left a lasting impact on us. Working with the RIM Foundation aligned perfectly with Launch Kit’s mission—giving businesses, organizations, and communities the chance to share their story through video.
By capturing and sharing the beauty, dedication, and artistry of Para Dance, we hope to play a small part in bringing more opportunities for adaptive athletes in the United States.
We’re grateful to have built strong relationships with both the RIM Foundation and Ride Your Way—and we’re excited about what’s ahead.
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