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Flight Athletics in Cold Lake and Lloydminster represented at the All Stars Worlds competition in Orlando.
Three teams, the U17 Snowbirds with children aged 10-17, the Hornets aged 8-9, and the Vipers aged 9-12.
“Only three programs from Western Canada qualified, and it was an honour to attend,” said coach Viola Holden.
“The Hornets and Snowbirds qualified in April of 2022 and have been working hard over the last year in preparation. Due to the varying age divisions in the USA, this was actually the first time the Hornets and Snowbirds have competed since April 2022; they all competed on a secondary team in Canada this season separate from their World’s team.”
Meanwhile, the Vipers were a last minute addition to the competition with all of them either on the Hornets or Snowbirds teams’ as well.
Overall, the Snowbirds finished in 9th place out of 15 teams in the International U17 XSmall level 2 division. For this group of 12 athletes, it was the first time they’d competed internationally.
The younger teams in the Hornets and Vipers competed in the American divisions of ‘Mini’ and ‘Youth.’
The Hornets competed in the Mini X-small level 1 division against 77 teams. They finished in 5th in Semi-Finals and 29th in Finals. Consisting of eight athletes aged 8 and 9, this is only their second year competing on an Allstar Cheer team.
“We are extremely proud of how well they did in this massive division,” said Holden.
The Vipers competed in the Youth X-small level 2 division against 74 teams. They placed in 2nd in Semi-Finals and 21st in Finals. There are eight athletes on the Vipers, aged 9-12. T
“This is the first year our gym has had a level 2 team for this age group and they’ve blown us away with their growth this season,” said Holden.
While a memory that will last a lifetime, many of these athletes will use this as motivation to keep learning and growing.
