Cheerleaders off to US
Kā piti team seeking help with fundraising
Ateam of young Kāpiti cheerleaders will be heading to the Global Games Dance and Cheer competition in Hawaii in May, following a huge fundraising effort.
The team of 10 athletes aged between 9 and 15 from across
Kāpiti will travel to Hawaii as part of two teams being taken by Bigair Gymsports and Cheerleading.
One of the cheerleaders’ mothers, Lesley Olsson, said qualifying to attend the games is a great achievement.
“These young people are all passionate about their sport of cheerleading.
“They are already showing tremendous discipline by spending several hours a week in the gym honing their skills and perfecting their routine.
“Cheer is a sport that requires commitment and teamwork and there is great care, respect and whānaungatanga between the group members.
“We’re so proud of the team and know they will represent the gym and the Kāpiti community well on an international stage.”
Team member Arabella Calder, 11, from Paekā kā riki, said the whole team is excited and a little bit nervous about the challenge ahead.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to go to this competition in Hawaii, we can’t wait. We’re working hard and will be ready to give it our best shot in May.”
Olsson said the team members are fundraising to get to the games — each athlete needs to raise around $5000 for flights, accommodation, transport, competition fees and uniforms.
If you’d like to support the team keep an eye out for their fundraising events or make a donation at https:/ /givealittle.co.nz/cause/ 11-kapiti-cheerleaders-toglobal-games.