On December 7, 2016 in Lausanne Switzerland, International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, signed the official recognition that the sport of Cheerleading and the International Cheer Union was granted provisional Olympic status under the Olympic Charter. There are still a lot of steps to go before you see basket tosses and pyramids under the Olympic rings, but it was a huge step forward for tens of thousands of cheerleaders around the world.
From the Power Cheer Gym in London Ontario, local cheer athletes have become a significant contingent on both the Coed and All-Girl Canadian National teams, and are working to not only keep Canada at the forefront of International cheerleading, but also to grow the sport and pass on their knowledge via coaching and training at PCG.
Team Canada Cheer 2017 dressed eight current and former members of the Western and Fanshawe cheer programs (who train at PCG) and had Western Cheer Coach and PCG owner Coach Trace as part of the National coaching staff. All-Girl team members Natalie Wong, Cleo Duffy and Kaitlyn Harvey brought home a bronze in the World Premier (highest) division in April. On the Coed side, Mustangs Kurt Ford, Max Pfeifer, Evan Heics, Dan Golfi and Fanshawe’s Josh Kashef narrowly missed the podium with their fifth-place finish at the World Championships.
The push is now underway for Team Canada to get both teams onto the podium in 2018, and the Power Cheer Gym will play a part by hosting one of the National training camps as well as skills and development clinics to inspire and identify future National calibre athletes. Follow our local National Team athletes via the PCG Vipers social media feeds, or just come over to the gym and meet them. You can also get a glimpse of Team Canada hopefuls at every Western football game, where this year’s senior class of Mustang cheerleaders (Roberts, Wong, Gillies, Im, Pfeiffer) are honing their skills in preparation for the National tryouts in November.
PCG offers nine different age and ability-based teams. Some teams have openings for late season additions – call 519-667-0565 or email PCG@PowerCheerGym.com for information and a visit.
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Submitted by Power Cheer Gym
