Cheerleaders who will compete in the ICU World and Junior World Cheerleading Championships.
ANGUILLA--Eleven cheerleaders plus five adults – coach, event coordinator and chaperones – will leave Anguilla today, Monday, to participate in the annual International Cheer Union (ICU) World and Junior World Cheerleading Championships. The cheerleaders/dancers were selected from the five Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School athletic House Cheerleading Squads, and were coached by Jevonne Vanterpool of Klassique Academy of Dance and Performing Arts.
The events and competition will be held from April 24 to 27 at the Disney World Field House and Arena, Orlando, Florida. Competing in this competition for the very first time, Anguillan cheerleaders will join their peers from 83 participating countries, including some from as far away as Japan and Australia. They will participate in the ceremonial opening Parade of Nations and perform in two of the 10 events: the Team Cheer Freestyle Pom and the Double Cheer Freestyle Pom. Despite not having the required 16 cheerleaders to compete in the team event, the ICU will allow Anguilla’s 11 cheerleaders to perform.
Event coordinator Denicia Niles said, “This is an outstanding opportunity for our cheerleaders as it exposes them to the best of cheerleading techniques ... it will make them better cheerleaders. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for us to showcase Anguilla to the rest of the world.” She highly praised the ICU for their assistance in hosting the team, and making the trip possible. She also expressed the team’s gratitude for assistance from local businesses as well as the Government’s department of Youth and Culture.
