Cheerleaders may soon have the chance to compete at the Olympics.
The IOC executive board granted provisional recognition Dec. 6 to the International Cheer Union – the first step toward competitive cheerleading becoming an official Olympic sport.
“Our athletes work so hard, but it’s always been in the back of our minds that they can only go so far in this sport,” said Stephanie Kennedy, Panther Cheer Athletics co-owner. “With the hope that they could one day compete at the Olympics, the athletes can set their goals and ambitions even higher and work hard to achieve those goals.”
The provisional grant and recognition is the first step toward recognizing cheerleading as a future Olympic sport.
Sixteen sports had earlier applied for the recognition, but only cheerleading and Muay Thai were selected. They will now join an elite group, where only 35 sports are currently recognized and given funding by the IOC.
Richmond-based Panther Cheer Athletics provides character and fitness education to about 300 athletes through cheerleading, tumbling, trampoline and Ninja training. For more information visit panthercheerathletics.com
