Cheer and dance attracts over 230 athletes

Due to an overwhelming demand the competition was separated into two sessions with athletes representing clubs and schools across the country.

The championship began in the morning on May 28 with the dance competition and was followed by cheerleading in the afternoon. Over 1,000 people witnessed the excitement, as well as the high degree of skill and accuracy in the routines demonstrated by competitors.

Athletes hailed from clubs such as Rebel Elite All-stars, Spirit Academy and Phoenix All-star Cheerleading Academy. Schools participating in the event included Bishop Anstey High School, Diego Martin North Secondary, Holy Faith Convent, St Joseph’s Convent (St Joseph), South East Port of Spain Secondary, Belmont Secondary, Siparia West Secondary, Sevilla Private Primary, Parvati Hindu Girls’ College and Bishop Centenary.

The TTASA which is a registered, non-profit, youth sporting organisation that focuses on development and leadership, provides coaches who are certified in the skills and safety components of dance and cheerleading.

In a media release its president Chinua Alleyne noted the importance of the event for the young participants.

“The athletes at Sunday’s event demonstrated the characteristics of discipline, sportsmanship and confidence in their performances. This is a testimony of the training provided by the TTASA ’s programme directors Tarrin Mc- Mayo for dance and Shawna David for cheerleading,” he said.

“We thank the participants for their eagerness and our sponsors for their support.

We also look forward to growing the event and the continued support for dance and cheer, which can offer many international opportunities including scholarships.” In addition to the local judges, two visiting judges from the United States, Casey Rosenberg and Trisia Brown also sat on the panel.

The main sponsor for the event included the United States Embassy, Angostura LLB, NLCB, Colfire, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, the Ministry of Social Development, Massy Group, First Citizens, the Ministry of Sport, The Home Mortgage Bank, Bermudez Biscuit, Wrapworks, Synergy TV, Media 21 and SM Jaleel.