The Anguilla Elite Cheerleading Team returned to Anguilla on Sunday April 29th, after completing a successful week of cheering at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships in Orlando Florida. It was an intense a week of boot camp / performances and in such a short time they made quite an impact on the international scene.
Anguilla, which had never been recognized on the global scene in cheer dance, was formally voted into the union following a general election where many of the leading nations unanimously decided to accept Anguilla a member. The ICU having learned of the devastating impacts of Hurricane Irma, extended the offer for Anguilla to participate in this year’s competition, waiving participants’ and accommodation fees.
The team’s debut performance at the World Championships, was a Team Doubles Freestyle routine, performed by Nandi Edwards and Janet Guzman which took place in the ESPN Wide World of Sports HP Fieldhouse at the renowned Walt Disney Resort. The duo’s performance was well received by the audience and set the bar high for team Anguilla as the newcomers to the event.
The second performance was a spectacular group routine, performed by Janet Guzman, Jewanne Singh, Khymbria Richardson, Nandi Edwards, Sàaliha Abdur-Raheem, Shenice Fleming, Shyeema Ritchie, Tannicka Hodge, Patria Mardenborough, Ramon Hodge and Caliyah Richardson. Both performances which were coached and choreographed by Carlishia Philips, generated a positive buzz in the Anguilla community as they followed the events online. The team received an overwhelming wealth of positive feedback which has ignited a level of motivation for the team to continue developing their skills in the sport. The team comprised members from the following houses at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School; Orange, Maroon, Pink and Yellow.
Upon their return to the island, the ICU team comprising of 11 local athletes, 5 coaches/chaperones has already began the planning process for ongoing training and upcoming performances in the near future. The committee wishes to extend special thanks to parents / guardians, Vita Malt, DYC, Sunset Homes, Department of Education and Klassique Academy of Dance for making this trip possible.
– Contributed
