Two talented twirlers from the baton twirling program at Westminster's City Park Recreation Center will represent Colorado in the 2009 U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships on July 17 and 18 in Tucson, Arizona. Nearly 600 athletes from 21 states will compete in the championships, which are sponsored by the U.S. Twirling Association.

Cheyenne Burd, 13, and Madelaine Schmidt, 10, will compete in individual events including Solo - a fast-paced event in where the baton is rolled, flipped and tossed around the body and through the air - and Dance Twirl - an event that combines twirling with dance and gymnastics. They will also compete in the Dance Twirl Team competition, doing a spicy salsa number with the state champion dance twirl team 'Colorado Twirls.'

Their twirling coach, Cheryl Osborn, said the girls are dedicated to doing their very best.

"Cheyenne and Madelaine have worked hard all year, learning new tricks and perfecting their competitive routines. They've given up a lot of their free time this summer for lessons and extra practices," said Osborn. "Now they're ready and I know they'll do a great job at nationals."

Burd is an eighth-grader at Crowne Pointe Academy. She enjoys spending time with friends and babysitting. She is the daughter of Lori Walker.

Schmidt is a fifth-grader at Jefferson Academy. In addition to twirling, she plays the saxophone and participates in soccer and softball. She is the daughter of Mike and Becky Schmidt.

For more information about the sport of baton twirling, visit www.coloradotwirls.com.