Cat Scratch 2016

By Rechell McDonald
Did you get a chance to check out Cat Scratch at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre this past week? On Sunday, January 17, the Sabres Cheerleading Club held a showcase event for the town.
“We have several new athletes this year and we wanted to give them a performance experience before being an official competition,” explains Head Coach Holly Elliot. “It’s also a chance for the parents to experience the competition atmosphere since many have never attended a cheer event before. In addition, athletes’ friends and family who do not have the opportunity to attend any of our official competitions were able to come out to see their athlete perform.”
The Sabres are a competitive cheer club that competes across three levels of competitive cheer with a few members of their club working on competing at level four, the highest competitive level. The all-star competes two to three times a week and competes all over Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC.
If you think you may be interested in cheer, or have a child that may be interested, Coach Holly says your opportunity to discover if cheer is for you, is quickly approaching.
“Our spring programs start at the end of April with a three-week session of twice weekly tumbling classes. We have beginner classes for ages six and up as well as more advanced classes for athletes who have specific skills already.
“Cheer 101 will start in May and run once a week for six weeks. These classes are for beginners or for kids just looking for some cheer fun and they are grouped by age. Athletes will be introduced to all the foundational aspects of cheer – stunts, tumbling, jumps, and dance. The groups will perform a short routine for their friends and family at their last class.
“We are holding tryouts for our spring all-star teams; athletes who have previous cheer or gymnastics experience and who are looking for a challenge should attend the tryout on May 24.”
Cheer is a co-ed sport that offers a challenging physical experience in a positive atmosphere. Competitive cheering isn’t about standing on the sidelines to root for the home team, it’s about being a team and completing routines successfully while in the spotlight. Coach Holly wants to remind everyone that you don’t have to be a gymnast to begin cheering, you can begin from the bottom and work your way up even if you have no previous skill or experience.
If this is an experience you think you’d like to try, contact the club directly. All the spring information will be available and registration will open on the website (www.sabrescheer.com) on February 1. To chat with our Head Coach Holly or to arrange a visit to the gym, call 780-919-5528.