Cheer teams from Athabasca and beyond will have a high-flying chance to shine at Cheerfest next Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
The event, now in its ninth year, typically draws between 13 and 19 teams, though last year a record 22 teams came out.
“I’m not foreseeing that this year, though, because there’s so many other competitions in Edmonton happening,” said local cheer coach Barb Lachance. “If I get any more than 10, I’m happy.”
Confirmed so far are teams from as far as Cold Lake and Drayton Valley.
The competition comprises school teams: from elementary school divisions to senior high co-ed ones. Club teams sometimes compete alongside the school-based ones, too.
Each team is judged on a routine set to music that’s no longer than two and a half minutes.
New to Cheerfest this year is a group called “Cheerific” that will not compete, but instead will give demonstrations.
“They’re always expanding what can be done in cheer,” said Lachance. “That way it gives coaches an idea of, ‘Whoa — geez; we can do that.’”
Lachance said cheer’s popularity is growing in Athabasca, with five local teams that start in Grade 3 and go up to senior high. The numbers are impressive when you consider cheer began in Athabasca in 2003 with one small senior high team. Two years later, the first Cheerfest was held.
While films like those in the Bring It On franchise may depict cheer as a rivalry driven, catty affair, Lachance said the sportsmanship amongst cheer teams is what’s noteworthy.
“Everybody cheers for everybody,” she said. “They’ll want to encourage the teams on the floor even though they’re competing against them.”
The major benefit of cheer, said Lachance, is that it teaches teamwork.
“Just like any sport, you have to be able to work with people that are not necessarily your best buddies in school, but you know them, and therefore you have to work with them.”
Those skills will help cheer participants in any future workplace, said Lachance.
Cheerleading is unique, amongst team sports in that every person is integral to a routine; there are not entire lines that can be subbed.
“With cheerleading … if there’s one person missing, it can’t be done. So it’s not like hockey or football or baseball or basketball where you can just throw somebody else in that has been practising in that area.
“It’s like a car. If it’s missing a wheel, it can’t run,” said Lachance.
Nor can Cheerfest run without volunteers, she noted. She is looking for people to time routines, among other duties.
Anyone who volunteers gets free admission.
Those who are feeling a little more ambitious or have some cheer experience may want to consider coaching, added Lachance, as the teams could always use the help.
For the uninitiated, just attending is a good idea, said Lachance.
“It’s a really good exhibition of what cheerleading is, for those who don’t know.”
Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the opening ceremony is at noon.
“After that, it will all depend on judging,” said Lachance in terms of how long Cheerfest runs.
Admission is $6; children four and under attend for free.
