IRELAND’S most successful cheerleading team has launched a massive fundraising campaign in an effort to represent their country at the World Cheerleading Championships this April.
The Strike Force Cheerleaders have already been backed by the Ardmore Hotel in Finglas and are calling on more local businesses to get on board their
‘Fly the Flag for Ireland’ initiative.
Cheerleader coach, Hayden McGurk, says the team and their families will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal and are grateful for the support they’ve already received.
“We are thrilled that the Ardmore Hotel is supporting us because in these tough times, many businesses are finding it really hard to even keep on staff, never mind help community initiatives,
? Hayden said.
Strike Force has produced Ireland’s most successful cheerleading teams, winning every Irish Championships entered since 2009.
“Because of the success of the senior teams, one of them has been given the opportunity by Irish Cheer Sport Association – the governing authority of cheerleading in Ireland – to compete in the World Cheerleading Championships in Florida this April,
? Hayden said.
“The team will hopefully compete in three rounds over five days as
‘Team Ireland’ against over 100 other countries including Team USA, Team Canada, Team China and Team Australia to name but a few.
?
It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for the team and families of the ten athletes on the Strike Force
‘Euphoria’ team have been trying to fund the dream trip since June 2012.
And with time running out, they’re making a last ditch plea to get enough support so they can have a chance to do their country proud.
“As we are getting nearer the date we are now trying to pull support to help the girls fund their performance uniforms, footwear, tracksuits, and competition entry costs, but it’s proving really tough.
?
The team has come up with a great fundraising idea that they hope will help them reach their target.
“We are going to have a huge Irish tricolour flag made up with a logo centred, and we are asking people, families and businesses to support the team and the flag by donating e20,
? Hayden explained.
“In return they will get a name of their choice printed on the flag that we will fly amongst 20,000 other athletes at the Cheerleading World Championships.
“This is the holy grail of sport cheering and dance, it’s like our Olympics.
?
Hayden is already rightly proud of her team, describing them as
“amazing and very talented young ladies
?. The girls are already training hard for the championships as often as possible in the WFTRA Centre on Mellowes Road, Finglas West.
“We are looking for support from local businesses big or small, we don’t mind, and we are delighted that the Ardmore Hotel and Donna Curry have been such big supporters of what we are trying to do,
? said Hayden.
“To a lot people this is just a cheerleading team going to America. But to us, and everyone who knows how much time, passion and hard work has gone into this, this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will stay with the girls for the rest of their lives.
“They are competing for their country, the same way Katie Taylor did in the boxing. The only difference is that cheerleading just doesn’t have the same awareness in Ireland.
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?¢ If you can help with a donation email hayden@cheerdublin.com or to find out more about Strike Force visit www.cheerdublin.com.