Just wanted to let you know that the Cheer Command Cadets ended up competing at a CSG competition on March 14th. Oh my gosh I can't tell you the thrill the parents, athletes, volunteers and I got from this experience. We had seven 5 year olds and two 11 year olds compete. When the 5 year olds received their trophies they looked at their parents and held their trophy high and said "Look we're winners". I think my heart leapt out of my chest. Then as the floor was being taken apart (getting ready for the high school competition), one of the 11 year olds broke down crying - When I asked her what was wrong she responded "It's all over now". Again, there went my heart. The other 11 year old came running up to me and asked if she could tell her friends about cheerleading and bring them next time. That was it, I couldn't hold it in anymore - I think I cried all the way home thinking about those little angels.
In the short time the Cadets have been together they have brought a new energy to our gym. I have girls from the other CCR teams asking "Can we try-out to help the Cadets next year?"
A father of one of the special needs athletes kept saying to me during the competition - "Your girls are doing so well" (meaning the girls on other teams). I kept reminding him that it was "our girls" - by the end of the competition he knew what I meant and thanked me for correcting him. He said he understood because girls on the other Cheer Command teams kept going up to his daughter and wishing her good luck, sitting and talking with her and asking if they could show her around.
When you help other gyms start their special needs programs - you really need to add a disclaimer saying that you are not responsible for all of the emotions that the coordinator of the program will go through.
Again, thank you for your knowledge and guidance this year. Please put me on your email list for any updates / guidance / etc. concerning special needs cheerleading teams.
I'm sorry if I'm rambling or not putting things in proper order - It is still all jumbled in my brain and hard to get out without getting emotional, AGAIN!
What an Experience. (With many more to come) Sheri
