Sabres cheerleaders showcase their talent, heart, and determination

On Saturday afternoon, Sabres Cheer Sport and Tumbling hosted its annual Cat Scratch Cheer Showcase at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre where friends and family of the athletes showed up to watch their first performances of the year. Coach Brad Davidson said the showcase was a warmup for both parents and performers as it gave everyone a small taste of what the upcoming competition season will bring.

Ponytails were on point as the groups warmed up and marched onto the mat exhibiting their prowess in stunting, dance, and gymnastics. Each group displayed endless amounts of energy clearly proud to show off all the skills and techniques they had spent months working on.

“Cheer is the ultimate team sport,” said Brad, noting that the athletes must learn both accountability and how to work collectively. Head coach Holly Elliot nodded in agreement adding that Cheer gives students confidence in their daily lives. Although Holly will be stepping down from her position this April, Brad maintained that the idea of continuous growth would continue to be instilled.

All Star Athlete of the Month Rain Simon said, “Cheer is the best thing.” She particularly enjoys being around the other students and likes how the idea of helping each other improve is encouraged. As a resident of Whitecourt, Rain says the Sabres have allowed her to meet young people with similar interests from neighbouring communities like Darwell, Barhead, and Onoway. Rain’s coaches are impressed with the leadership skills she has acquired in her two years of cheer. Her dream is to make it to the Summer Olympics which will debut cheerleading as a sport in the year 2024.

The Sabres start children out in cheerleading as young as 18 months and take on students at any skill level. A range of classes are offered including Parent and Tot, Kinder Cheer, Recreational Cheer, Prep Competitive Cheer which includes one practice per week and four competitions, and the more demanding All-Star Cheer which requires practices two to three times per week and includes an out-of-province competition. The next recreational Cheer session and registration for Prep Competitive Cheer begins in March.