Dr Safeeya Mohammed
guardian.wemagazine@gmail.com
More than 300 athletes celebrated in spectacular fashion, the glorious return of the Trinidad and Tobago Cheerleading Federation (TTCF) National Championships 2023 last Sunday.
This marked the first championship held in three years since the pandemic hit. With the theme Return of Champions, the event showcased the talent, dedication, and resilience of the cheerleading community in Trinidad and Tobago.
Teams from various schools and clubs competed in different categories, delivering thrilling performances that exhibited sophisticated skills, teamwork, and showmanship. The audience was captivated from beginning to end!
“We won!!!” said Jada Mason, member of the winning team (Cheer Senior Category) Studio 7- Spartans. “It was an amazing feeling to know that all our hard work, tears and frustration finally paid off.”
“Cheerleading is part of my holistic development, personally. I like staying active, getting fit and cheerleading allows me to do that, while still having fun!”
Winners Line-up
Team Cheer Senior - Level 1
• Studio 7 (Spartans)
• St. Augustine Girls’ High School (Starfirez)
• Bishop Anstey High School POS (Vipers)
Team Cheer Junior - Level 1
• Rosewood Girls (Tigers)
• Studio 7 (Spartans)
• Scholastic Academy (Hawks)
Hip-Hop Team Dance
• St. Joseph’s Convent, POS (Scorpionettes)
• Studio 7 (Spartans)
Hip-Hop Trio Dance
• Studio 7 (Spartans)
• Breath of Dance
• Dance Forever Young Empire FX
Stunt Group - Senior Level 1
• Studio 7 (Spartans)
• Bishop Anstey High School POS (Vipers)
TTCF at a glance
Trinidad and Tobago Cheer community joined the International Cheer Union membership of 119 National Cheer Federation Country members which includes other regional partners - Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Barbados as a member of the International Cheer Union (ICU). TTCF has been producing athletes since 2009.
The National Cheerleading Championships in Trinidad and Tobago were established with the vision of promoting cheerleading as a competitive sport in our country. The National Championships had its humble beginnings in 2013. It started as a small-scale event, bringing together a handful of teams from different schools and clubs.
“The primary goal was to provide a platform for cheerleaders to showcase their skills and passion for the sport,” said Koya Barrimond, president, and co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Cheer Federation. “Our journey in developing this sport has been an exciting one, driven by a passion for development, teamwork, sharing new experiences and opportunities.”
Cheerleading, traditionally seen as a sideline activity, has evolved into a dynamic and demanding sport worldwide. Recognizing its potential to grow in Trinidad and Tobago, the TTCF set out to create a platform where cheerleaders could showcase their skills, athleticism, and artistry in a recreational and competitive environment.
“Our initial focus was on building awareness and understanding of cheerleading as a sport within the schools. We conducted workshops, demonstrations, and training programs to educate athletes and coaches about the technical aspects, safety measures, and performance elements involved in cheerleading.
“Over time, we witnessed the growth of cheerleading in Trinidad and Tobago through community clubs and groups. More teams emerged, showcasing incredible athleticism, intricate routines, and captivating performances. With each passing year, the level of competition increased, pushing athletes to progress technically and raising the profile of cheerleading as a legitimate sport.”
T&T cheerleading teams in Orlando
The Annual National Cheerleading Championships became the pinnacle event for the federation, serving as a platform for teams across the country to come together and demonstrate their dedication, skill, and creativity. This prestigious competition also acts as a gateway to qualifying for both regional and global championships.
“In 2019, Trinidad and Tobago were proudly represented by its cheerleading and dance teams at the International Cheer Union and Universal Cheer Association Championships. At the High School World Championship in Orlando, two teams from Trinidad and Tobago participated: St. Augustine Girls’ High School and St. Joseph’s Convent.
“In the all-star division, three teams showcased their talent: Holy Name Convent POS, Rosewood Girls Tigers, and Blue Eagles Cheer Club. Additionally, at the Pan-American championships 2019 in Costa Rica, three teams represented Trinidad and Tobago: Studio 7 - Spartans Club (Arima), St. Joseph’s Convent POS, and Southern Scarlet Club (South). These teams showcased their skills and dedication on the global stage.
“In 2020, prior to the onset of the pandemic, the last qualified team from 2019/2020 season was Woodbrook Secondary, who defied the challenging circumstances and showcased their exceptional talent. Against all odds, they secured the bronze medal, earning a remarkable third place out of the seven competing countries. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and skill level ofheerleaders from Trinidad and Tobago.”
COVID-19 impacted competition
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the sport. The absence of physical activities for three years resulted in a decline in interest and participation within the cheerleading community. Additionally, the pandemic led to the unfortunate loss of some of their most skilled athletes as they pursued studies abroad.
“Despite our best efforts to maintain engagement through online workshops and training sessions, it proved insufficient in compensating for the limitations posed by the pandemic. The impact of these circumstances on the sport has been profound, requiring us to navigate unprecedented obstacles and adapt our approach to ensure the future growth and success of cheerleading in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Koya Barrimond.
The future of Cheerleading in T&T
Adapt they did! Since their return to the field of play in September 2022, they have embarked on a steady journey of rebuilding.
“Under the banner of ‘Rebuilding and Beyond,’ our focus extends beyond mere recovery. We are dedicated to building capacity, enhancing visibility, and fostering leadership within the cheerleading community.
“Embracing diversity is a crucial aspect of our efforts, ensuring that cheerleading becomes inclusive and representative of all backgrounds. With a steadfast commitment to these principles, we aim to propel cheerleading in Trinidad and Tobago to new heights, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts alike.
“As we reflect on the journey of the National Cheerleading Championships, weare proud of the growth and achievements we have witnessed. From its modest beginnings to becoming a prominent annual event, the championships have played a vital role in elevating cheerleading as a competitive sport in Trinidad and Tobago. We are excited about the future and look forward to further expanding the horizons of cheerleading in our country.”
For more information:
Contact TTCF: (868) 353-7076 | info@ttcheerfederation.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TTCheerFederation
Instagram: @tntcheerfederation
Twitter: @ttcheerfed