Cheerleading Success

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Local girl and ex-Kirwee Model School student, Addy Cawthray has been participating in cheerleading for four years for Christchurch Club, All Star Cheerleaders, and absolutely loves what the sport has to offer. When Addy was eight years old she started hounding her mum (Ange) to start cheerleading. “I fobbed her off for about six months, telling her it’s not something we do in New Zealand, it’s an American thing. Anyway, she was persistent and I got sick of hearing about it so I googled it. Sure enough, there was/is a Christchurch Club, and that was the beginning of a whole new world,” commented Ange. “Cheerleading is nothing like what people may think, as there are no pom poms or big letters. However, there is heavy make up, fake tans and big bows, which is mandatory at every competition (very American). “The sport is very much gymnastics based, with dance mixed in and a lot of tumbling and strength involved. Teams are sometimes as small as nine people, but can range up to as large as thirty. “Cheerleading has recently been recognised as a competitive sport and is also going to be included in the Olympics. Like any sport, there are different levels, and different commitments. “It is a very positive and supportive environment, one in which the coaches are incredibly encouraging, but at the same time push the teams which pays dividends once they get to competitions. “It’s a great sport for anyone (boys as well) to be involved in, providing great body conditioning, and life long friendships,” Ange concluded. The competition season has recently started for the year, with Addy and her team making a great start by winning the United Cheer competition in Wellington recently. Addy has a few more competitions coming up, including one in Nelson at the end of July, followed by three major events in Auckland, from August to November.

Addy Cawthray loves cheerleading.