CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM
The UK Cheerleading Championships return to the NIA on 15 and 16 March. The event will be staged in Birmingham for the second year running and the champions will go forward to represent the UK at the European Cheerleading Championships in Slovenia.
Previously held at the Manchester Velodrome, the Championships were moved to Birmingham’s NIA last year as a bigger venue was required and more than 1,000 cheerleaders are expected to take part in this year’s event.
There are five age groups for the Championships starting with the under 9s through to seniors. There will be team and individual competitions in each age category with competitors being marked on three disciplines – cheer, pom-dance and stunts.
Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: “I am delighted that the UK Cheerleading Championships is returning to Birmingham. Cheerleading is a growing sport and so we are pleased to be able to support this event and I hope that this Championships continues to grow over the next few years.”
Cheerleading is a unique and physical activity incorporating cheering, dance and gymnastics skills. It has a proven record of engaging young people looking for alternatives to traditional schools sports and the UK Cheerleading Association is continuing its development of cheerleading in conjunction with School Sports Partnerships across the UK.
Pat Hawkins of the UK Cheerleading Association, who are organising the event with the support of British Gymnastics and Birmingham City Council, said: “Cheerleading is a fast growing sport. It is no longer an activity just associated with sports such as American football and basketball as it has gained greater credibility over the last few years. Participants have to be extremely fit and we’ve found that it has a wide appeal to people of all ages.”
Tickets for this event start at £5 for members and schools and £7 for non members to book tickets or for more information call the hotline on 0870 145 1197 or log onto www.british-gymnastics.co.uk and click on the Ticket Web logo.
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