As a former competitive high school cheerleader, I am very excited to once again be immersed in the world of cheer. Cheerleading has gone through a huge transformation since my time, and it is now recognized for the true sport that it is. Three years ago when I heard that a new cheer club, the CheerStrike Royals, was opening in the north end of the city, I couldn’t wait to get Aislynn, my then 5-year-old daughter involved. I was even more thrilled when I found out that it was the CCH cheerleading coaches that were opening it. As a Western Alum, and having completed a teaching practicum at CCH, I was well aware of the calibre of cheerleader that London produced.
As a CheerStrike cheerleader, my daughter has gone from not being able to do a cartwheel in her first season to now working on her back handsprings. The coaching staff at CheerStrike are very supportive and encouraging, and the dedication and level of responsibility of their young staff amazes me. It is also fantastic to be involved with a group of parents that are so enthusiastic and positive about the progress made by all of the athletes at CheerStrike. This year, I was honoured to be selected as the Royal Ambassador (team mom) for the Mini Monarchs. It has been wonderful to see the bonds that have developed between the teammates and parents, both inside and outside of the gym. We truly are a Royal Family!
Story submitted by Brenda Pinelli, CheerStrike parent
