Cheerleaders from all over the globe competed at last weekend’s Cheerleading Worlds competition.  What an exciting event! 

What impressed me, as a sport psychology coach, was the mental toughness I witnessed. Imagine what it is like to perform in front of thousands of people (plus a huge television audience).  Then imagine what it is like to be in a collapsed pyramid in the first moments of a routine or to fall or to land on your face when you are throwing a full.  What would you do?  (more…)

Although recognized as a decidedly American sport, cheerleading is now embraced by many countries across the world – from the Philippines to China, from Ireland to Germany, you can find cheerleaders.  Actually this weekend you can find cheerleaders from all over the world at Orlando Florida, the home of The Cheerleading Worlds. 

The International All Star Federation (IASF) and the United States All Star Federation (USASF) only host two competitions a year – The Cheerleading Worlds and The Dance Worlds. The event producers of premier national championships sponsor their best teams to compete at these competitions. In addition, International cheer and dance teams from all over the world may qualify to compete in the applicable Senior or International divisions/categories. 

As you can imagine, this will be quite an event!  I couldn’t resist so I decided to go.  If you are going, please stop by and say hello! I will be at the Inside Cheerleading Magazine booth in the Milk House.  I will also be at the VIP Party on Friday night and the special fashion party on Sunday night sponsored by GK Elite, Twisted Choreography and Cheer Coach and Advisor Magazine!  

But it’s not all about the partying!  Worlds is important because it recognizes cheerleading as a serious world-wide athletic endeavor. 

Of course I will be posting photos!