A Rutherglen-based cheerleading squad has thanked the community for their generosity in getting them to the All-Star World Championships 2023 in the USA, as they prepare to compete today.
SLS Cheer and Dance, which offers classes in both competitive and recreational styles, will see its senior hip hop team, Fury, and the junior cheer team, Cherish, compete in the tournament today at 3.36pm in the Orlando, Florida-based tournament.
The groups were able to attend the World Championships because of the generosity of locals who donated and sponsored their fundraising efforts.
Katie Ello, mother of 13-year-old dancer Emily Blacker, has spoken on behalf of the parents about how grateful they are, and she said: “Mums have had great support from the local community to help with fundraising and raffle prizes. It’s been a great team effort.
“Head coach Claire Forest is nervous, excited and overwhelmed that SLS has gone so far. We are here to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere.
“Coach Karla and Karley have worked so hard on all the routines. We are so proud of the girls.
“Thank you to all the companies, parents, families and all who donated along the way to help us achieve this for SLS Cherish and Fury.”
SLS was originally set up as a lunchtime school club in 2006 at Stonelaw High in Rutherglen.
The group expanded and now runs 28 classes per week and trains in their own gym.
Coach Claire Forrest told the Rutherglen Reformer previously: “Our girls are so excited to compete overseas and cannot wait to work really hard to ensure they put on a great performance and hold their own out there against many other teams.
“As coaches, this is also a dream come true for us. We’ve all worked really hard to progress over the years, and it has been tough, but we are overjoyed that the hard work has paid off.”
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