Cheer Nova Scotia provincials set for this weekend in Sydney

Cheerleaders from across Nova Scotia will be in Cape Breton this weekend for the annual Cheer Nova Scotia provincial championships.

The provincial tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Centre 200 in Sydney with 80 teams from across the province participating.

Among the 80 teams taking part in the event, Cape Breton will be represented by four cheerleading programs including the host Cape Power Cheer, Premier Cheer All-Stars, Richmond Cheer Athletics and Fusion Cheer All-Stars.

Rita Fudge, Cape Power’s cheerleading director, said the program placed a bid to host this year’s tournament last May.

“It is important to be able to grow our sport and for the general public to realize what cheerleading actually is,” she said. “There is such a big misconception about what the athletes actually do.”

The tournament will feature performance teams as well as competitive teams, levels one through six. Athletes range from three years old to 30-plus. There will also be a performance from a Halifax parent’s team as well.

“All-star cheerleading is not pompoms and we no longer actually say a cheer,” said Fudge. “It is extremely athletic and requires a lot of dedication from the athletes as well as trust in one another.”

The cost of hosting the tournament is between $30,000-$40,000, paid through tournament entrance fees.

Fudge hopes the community will support the event throughout the weekend.

“Fans can expect an action packed show from beginning to end — routines are very entertaining and filled with gymnastics,” said Fudge. “Not very often something this largescale is in town and you don’t want to miss a chance to see the provinces best athletes go head-tohead for a provincial title.”

Doors open for the tournament at 8:30 a.m., both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 per day or $18 for the entire weekend.