Six Delta cheer athletes are set to take on the world this April in Orlando, Fla.
Ava Fuerniss, Bailey Gonsalves, McKenzie Harmse, Valentina Sawchyn, Elle Thomas and Peyton Ward are part of Elite Cheer in Tsawwassen.
They have been selected to compete for Team Canada at the ICU Cheer Worlds, April 24 to 26.
Cheerleading dates back to 1869 and is the combination of athleticism, dance, and teamwork. Athletes today perform routines that include tumbling, stunting, dance motions, and cheering.
In July 2021, The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted in favor of granting full recognition to the International Cheer Union (ICU) and cheerleading, making one of America’s oldest examples of teamwork eligible to apply to be included on the Olympics program.
The ICU Cheer Worlds happens every April in Orlando. There are 119 member nations of ICU.
Athletes were selected to Team BC last spring and have been training in intensive multi-day camps with athletes from across the province.
Costs to attend the international competition is more than $4,000, so the local athletes are aiming to fundraise $10,000 to help offset the costs.
This Sunday (Feb. 25), the athletes are hosting a bottle drive at the Ladner Bottle Depot.
Bring your empties to the Ladner Return It Centre to contribute them. Athletes will be there to help take them from your vehicles. The account number to donate is: 604-657-8758.
There is Learn to Curl fundraiser planned for Sunday, March 3 at the Tunnel Town Curling Club. Tickets are available for $50. Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/4mr9cxev.
You can also support the athletes directly with sponsorship and donations. To learn more see: https://www.elitecheerandtumbling.com.
