The Sabres Cheer Spirit All-Star Cheerleading Club received a welcomed financial boost thanks to Woodlands County councillors.
On Tuesday, March 26 during their Whitecourt meeting, councillors unanimously approved a $1,000 donation to the non-profit cheerleading and dance troupe based in Rochfort Bridge.
The society asked the county to consider sponsoring one of the club’s Wildcats cheer team.
The letter stated that the squad consisting of seven female athletes recently earned an invitation to the U.S. Cheer and Dance Finals in Las Vegas May 11-12 in Calgary.
“Cheerleading is growing in popularity quickly in Canada and Alberta, however, the levels of competition are limited, and there are currently no finals or championships for us to attend in Canada,” stated Meghan Jesso. “Our athletes would love to attend and represent small-town Alberta, at the U.S. Finals, however, we simply cannot afford to attend without the support of our communities.”
The club estimates it will cost about $20,000.
In the information package, it stated that team members live in Woodlands County, Whitecourt, Sangudo and Alberta Beach. Earlier in the meeting, during a discussion on a proposed financial assistance for achievement recognition policy, planning and community services director Gordon Frank said two members of the Wildcats squad are from the county.
Under the proposed bylaw, the Community Services Committee can authorize $500 per person to individuals attending an international event.
Anselmo Coun. Sylvia Bonnett said that although she realized the club is fundraising for the entire cheerleading troupe, she would have liked to see the request come from the two members who live in the county.
Whitecourt East Coun. Jim Rennie agreed, but given the time factor, the club has to register by April 11, and since there won’t be a policy in place he moved councillors approve sponsoring them up to $1,000.
“Just because [the club] members are located outside the county, doesn’t mean they are not part of Woodlands County, because I know a number of those kids live in the county,” he said, noting the club is located in Rochfort Bridge, mainly because that is the only place with high enough ceilings.
The club practices in an old RCMP building a few minutes out of Mayerthorpe.
Fort Assiniboine/Timeu Coun. Dale Kluin while in favour of Rennie’s motion, asked administration to find out who is on the team and where they are from.
“I’m just curious to see how many are Woodland County residents,” he said.
Goose Lake/Freeman River Coun. Dale McQueen agreed, adding even if there are only two county residents, the $1,000 contribution falls within the proposed policy.
