Cheer Nova Scotia has plenty to cheer about after an impressive performance at the International Cheerleading Union junior and world championships in April at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.
Two of the teams included athletes with adaptive abilities. A Unified Median team from West Halifax Cheer earned a bronze medal against competition from Wales, England and Scotland, and a Unified All Girl Advanced team from Halifax Cheer Elite, though the only one in its category, received gold and gained valuable experience.
“Coaching at ICU world championships is one of the highest honours of our sport,” said West Halifax Cheer co-coach Jessie Strum. “It is incredible to be trusted to lead teams of this calibre and represent our country. It is a whirlwind few days, and very busy, but so fun. We led the athletes through three practices, enjoyed a dinner as a team, and then competed in semifinals, followed by the opening ceremonies and cultural exchange. We then competed in finals, followed by the awards ceremony. It can be nerve wracking, but so rewarding.”
Integrating athletes with adaptive abilities into teams with able-bodied athletes can pose a challenge and it takes training from coaches and athletes alike to ensure all goes smoothly, especially in a sport that is very technical.
‘Some things that you teach the able-bodied group might have to be modified for the athlete who, for example, can’t necessarily extend their arm all the way out or who doesn’t have a hand,” said Cheer Nova Scotia president Erica Royal. “You have to be able to take that extra time to make sure the skills are able to be done safely while including all athletes.”
Strum noted that all of her team’s four coaches are appropriately credentialed and attend conferences and classes to improve their knowledge and skill set. They also have a particular type of athlete in mind when putting a team together.
“We really look for athletes who are passionate about inclusivity and have the mindset we are looking for,” said Strum. “Athletes fill out an application prior to trying out for the team with short answer questions, mostly surrounding inclusivity. We also do group activities and games at our in-person tryout to watch how the athletes integrate and strive to include one another. We then form a summer training roster to train together through the summer to further see how everyone works together, before forming our final roster in the fall.”
Royal noted there is constant communication at all levels, so they are receiving feedback on what works and what can be improved on as athletes and coaches continue their journey in the sport. Competing on a world stage is a major source of pride and accomplishment for all involved.
“It’s a lot to manage in terms of expectations and preparation,” said Royal. “But it’s been extremely rewarding for them and for us as an organization to hear that feedback.”
A Youth Coed Median team and a Junior All Girl Advanced team rounded out the local entries, earning gold and bronze, respectively.
