September 21, 2007 8:45 AM
Special Needs Cheerleading Teams bring out the best in all
From the Washington Post this morning:
Girls Bask in Their Destiny - Cheerleading. Click to read the full story and see videos of two cheerleading teams performing and receiving awards.
Who knew? There are now 160 special needs cheerleading squads in 34 states.
Breakthrough in SocializationThat cheerleading in particular would become a niche for their daughters with disabilities has surprised parents like Mike Melletz, who once thought of the culture as competitive and snooty.
"It took me for a complete loop," he said. "These cheerleading people have been some of the nicest people I've ever encountered."
The phenomenon has a social significance far beyond the girls of Destiny, said Allen Crocker, a Harvard University professor who has specialized in developmental disabilities for more than 50 years at Children's Hospital Boston.
"This is a breakthrough," Crocker said. "It is the antithesis of isolation. We all hope that our youngsters with special needs will be welcomed in activities that are part of our culture."
While the article made much of the benefits for the cheerleaders with special needs (and there were guys as well as girls, btw), what the writer missed was the benefits for the cheerleader peers who volunteer to help.
What everyone really needs to understand is that inclusion - or giving differently-abled individuals opportunities to shine - is not about doing a favor for those who are “less than,” but about opening ourselves to experiences through which encourage the release and recognition of everyone's gifts.
I'll bet those cheerleader volunteers who bonded with team members and learned how to help them shine have a story to tell - and that they learned every bit as much as the ones they came to help!
Posted in Disabilities | Permalink
Comments
Loved the article! You're right, those who were helping learned more than they probably expected. Now, if only I could find a team around Dallas...I have three Down Syndrome girls who would love it when they are old enough! Perhaps I'll have to start my own since I have such a large core group!! Thanks, Barbara.
Posted by: Jill S | September 21, 2007 2:55 PM
This is incredible, Barbara! I was thinking the same thing about the volunteers when I was watching the video.
Posted by: KatieButler | September 22, 2007 8:38 AM
Below is another article that was posted in the Calhoun times last week about special needs cheerleading. These type squads serve to fill a major area in a childs life
Giving a special cheer
09/18/07
Karen Shaw
Amber Evans, 7, is practicing to become a member of a Renegade All-Star competition cheerleading squad through the Calhoun Cheerleading Center, 151 Marine Drive. Registration is Saturday. Little 7-year-old Amber Evans will soon be doing something that she has always only dreamed about.
Even though she has been diagnosed with Mosaic Downs Syndrome, a form of Downs Syndrome, the spunky, enthusiastic youngster from Ringgold will soon become a member of a Renegade All-Star competition cheerleading squad through the Calhoun Cheerleading Center, 151 Marine Drive.
“We’re putting together this squad for girls and boys of all ages who have any physical or mental disability,” said Leslie Pledger, who will be coaching the squad. “Children in wheelchairs can also be a part of the squad.”
To become a part of the squad, children should attend registration at the center on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. The registration will take around an hour. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, cotton clothing (no denim), and tennis shoes
For more information, call 706-629-9175 or Amber’s mom at 423-596-6619.
Pledger co-owns the Calhoun Cheerleading Center with Cris Griffin, her fiancé and 17-year veteran gymnastics and cheerleading coach, and Sean Bruorton, a former University of Tennessee cheerleader, who has more than nine years of coaching experience.
“Currently there are only eight Special Needs squads in the state,” Pledger said, “so we are very excited to be able to offer this here.”
It is also the only squad north of Marietta and south of Knoxville, Tenn.
The idea to start the squad at the Calhoun Cheerleading Center actually came about because of Amber.
“Her older sister Abi, 10, is a member of the Renegade All-Stars Youth Squad and during those tryouts last March, Amber was here doing back-bends and toe-touches,” Pledger explained.
“Someone suggested that she also try out.”
However, Amber’s mom, Melanie Evans, explained about Amber’s condition and quickly added that she would be interested in a special needs squad for Amber should the center decide to start one.
It seemed only fitting that they should start the squad considering that Pledger is a former special education teacher. Also, Coach Bruorton has experience working with a special needs squad during his years as a University of Tennessee cheerleader.
While tryouts are required for the other Renegade All-Stars squads, no child will be turned down for the Special Needs squads.
“These children have enough disappointments and limitations in their lives,” Pledger said. “We certainly would not want to add to that.”
Organizers also plan to keep the cost down for the participants through sponsorships.
“Members of the squad will need uniforms, shoes, and there will be some travel expenses,” Pledger said. “Money should not be an issue for the parents of these children.”
Anyone wishing to help sponsor the squad is asked to contact Pledger at 706-629-9175.
Donations for this team may also be sent to Renegade All-Stars, 151 Marine Drive, Calhoun, Ga. 30701. The team is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
The Calhoun Cheerleading Center holds many cheerleading and gymnastics certifications, including AACA, USA Gymnastics, and U.S. All-Star Federation. The gym instructors are also certified in CPR and first aid.
Posted by: Melanie E | September 25, 2007 1:04 PM
Good news about the part of the story that was not told in that Washington Post article; the girls of Dream Allstars Destiny and their helpers, coaches and families are going to NYC to be featured on Good Morning America this coming Monday, Oct 1st. The feature producer spent the day at our gym filming and interviewing many people connected to the team. Many people told her how inspired their own children felt watching Destiny perform. My daughter(she is on an advanced team in the gym) noticed that our special athletes are just like everybody else-they get nervous, excited, thrilled during awards. She said "Mom, they are just like us." Goal accomplished.
Posted by: Sheri | September 29, 2007 3:53 PM
Thanks for sharing this article. If you want to see more information on special needs teams, please visit www.usasf.net and click on the special needs link. There are articles and video clips to view. Also, there is a gym listing. There are more than 160 teams around the country and only about half are currently listed. I am the Director of the USASF Special Needs committee, so if you would like more information, please feel free to email me.
Posted by: Bill Presson | September 29, 2007 10:48 PM
This is so true! I myself have began coaching a special needs team this year. My fellow coach has been a special needs teacher for over 20 years and myself have ran a preschool/daycare for 16. We do have some unique challenges......But what an amazing group of individuals we have. They have brought Spirit and enthuasim to our gym. They truly have become leaders/role models to all of our more gifted athletes. It is truly one of the most enriching teams I have ever taken on. We love it. Our kids will do their first preformance at the Eugene Classic On January 31st 2009.
Posted by: paulette | January 23, 2009 4:19 PM
