When you hear the term "World Championship" you may think of many Olympic sports such as speed skating, gymnastics, snow skiing or soccer.
Cheerleading probably wouldn't be considered among the possibilities. That may be because the sport of cheerleading in Colorado has been making a slow but sure recognition as an intensely skilled sport worthy of respect.
To further this pursuit of acknowledgment, Colorado's own,
Cheer Central Suns, Junior Level 5 team recently earned a bid to compete at the World Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, in April. This is a first time accomplishment for any All Star Cheerleading team in Colorado.
The world-bound Cheer Central Junior Level 5 team consists of 20 girls within the age range of 9 to 14 years. Their athletic skills are amazing consisting of high flying tumbling and advanced stunting. Their synchronized dance and high energy performance top off the tremendously entertaining presentation. The two minute-thirty second, very difficult routine is sure to have you moving with the music, holding your breath, and trying not to blink so you don't miss a thing.
Each of the girls commits to a minimum of 9 hours a week at Cheer Central. They are very athletic, very driven, and very committed to their sport. Most of the girls live in the Denver area, but a few of the girls travel to Broomfield from Boulder, Brighton, Evergreen, and Fort Collins to be able to participate at this skill level.
Because the team competes at the height of the 1-5 skill level, it is rare that this team has any competition in their division at the Colorado competitions.
Travel is essential for the team to seek their full potential. So far this season, they have traveled to Las Vegas, in December. They won National Champions in the Junior International Division competing against teams from California, Arizona, and Utah. They were also awarded Grand Champions of the entire Junior Division receiving the highest score awarded. The World Bid was awarded to this Junior 5 team in Las Vegas. In March, they will travel to Orlando, Florida, to compete in another National Competition.
By earning the opportunity to go to the World Championships, this means tacking on the financial responsibility of a third trip across country. This is difficult for many of the girls' families. It is also difficult to pass on such an opportunity. The team will be holding several fund raising occasions to help fund the additional trip. The first of which will be
a multi-family garage sale this Saturday, the 16 th, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. held at the Cheer Central gym located at 660 Compton Avenue in Broomfield.
The gym has also set up a corporate sponsorship program that provides profitable advertising opportunities for your business. If interested, please contact
Roberta Perry @ perryfam04@msn.com.
If the team makes it through the semi finals at the World Championship in April, their performance will be televised on ESPN. Last year, 22 countries were represented at the World Championships.