Cheerleaders defy Global Games odds

As a small group at their first international competition, Nelson’s Electrix cheerleading squad went to the Global Games in Hawaii with no expectation of placing in the ultra-competitive event.

Electrix Cheersport manager and co-ordinator Maxine Noar said the novice Thunder and senior Lightning teams ‘‘didn’t expect much’’ – just to have some fun and soak up the experience of an international competition, and for some, their first overseas trip.

But the teams defied the odds, with Thunder winning their division, and Lightning placing fifth overall.

‘‘[The novice team] were in shock about it, they were so excited,’’ Noar said.

Lightning also performed well, and for a while were in second place. ‘‘They were crying, they were so happy.’’

However, on the second day, one of their stunts wobbled, earning them a deduction which pushed them to fifth place, the scoring so tight they were just 0.16 behind third place.

With a different scoring system, and the pressure of an international competition, they’d headed to the event solely for the experience, Noar said.

‘‘Everyone said to us, you’re going to come last . . . the clubs we were up against are world-class.

But they did so well, we’re just so proud of our club.’’

The trip was eye-opening for the team, the youngest of whom was just 6 years old, Noar said.

‘‘It was an incredible experience, we started off in Auckland airport, the majority of the flight were Kiwis going to the competition.’’

It was also full cheer immersion in Hawaii, where the majority of the guests at the Hilton Village on Waikiki Beach were involved with the competition, Noar said.

At the opening ceremony, the team walked behind the New Zealand flag, a moving moment for everyone, Noar said.

‘‘Just being there was incredible.’’

Stand-out athletes included Joelle Noar and Tayla Heal, who Noar said were great ambassadors for the club. Hazel Anderson, 7, ‘‘performed beautifully’’, despite the overwhelming experience of being in a large competition far from home.

And Isla Rawlings, in the senior team. ‘‘She’s very determined to get something right; she’ll keep going until she’s got it.’’

Noar also wanted to thank the team’s sponsors, Spa World, Gentle Dental, EmbroidMe and Tasman Pine Forests.

Nelson cheerleading squad Electrix went to the Global Games in Hawaii in May.