Arguably one of the most important skills in cheerleading is back on the mat across B.C.
Stunting was initially grounded for the sport in order to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 out of safety for athletes and coaches, but viaSport BC has now deemed it safe for clubs to bring them back into practice, including the Prince George All-Stars.
The news is welcoming for the local squad, who, if competition is allowed at some point this season, are eyeing a third provincial banner in as many years as they’ve been an official team, including a gold medal in 2019.
Most cheerleading teams are seen incorporating stunts like hoisting each other up in the air or even throwing them high for flips, poses and other related tricks in the trade.
Speaking with PrinceGeorgeMatters, Head Coach Jess MacDonald says the All-Stars will do what it takes to attend events in a safe manner.
"We are looking to do as many virtual competitions as possible," she explained, noting a normal year would see the squads head down to events in Kelowna, Richmond and Vancouver, including the provincial championships.
"We are excited to get back to learning competitive routines and becoming the best athletes we can be. We have just started stunting this season, and we haven’t stunted since the outbreak and already the athletes are telling us how much they missed it. In our gym, we are sanitizing, wearing masks, and also making sure we are as healthy as possible, to reduce any spread of any germs and sickness."
Today (Oct. 21) marks one week left for those who haven’t registered for the All-Stars’ three competitive rosters to do so as team placements for Mini Fireballs, Under-17 Knights and Conquer, the elite squad, are scheduled to take place Oct. 27 and 28.
MacDonald has said that experience isn’t necessary for athletes wishing to take up cheerleading for the first time and groups will be made based on age.
"So far with our preseason session (September and October), coaches have been able to see the athlete’s commitment and improvement on their individual skills, and it’s just wonderful," she adds.
"We are so lucky to be back in cheer, in any capacity. It’s so good for our mental health to see each other and be together again. Starting competitive season means more than just individual skills now; we will be learning routines again where we are one team and working to make the best routine we can."
More information can be found on the PG All-Stars’ website.
As of this publication, Northern Health has recorded 357 positive COVID-19 cases with 338 recoveries, three deaths and one person in critical care.
Since August, Prince George has hosted COVID-safe practices for both recreational and preseason participants aged five to 19 at the Kinsmen Centre in an extended training camp for skill development.
This has included the following health procedures implemented with WorkSafe BC and Northern Health guidelines:
- Coaches wearing masks
- Hand sanitizing station at the front desk
- Asking athlete questions about their symptoms
- Soaking shoes in bleach water and wiping them on a mat
- Staying in a designated space distanced from other members
- Placing belongings into a bin with hand wipes and sanitizer
- Using them after each time the items are touched
- Following arrows entering and exiting the facility
- No parents or spectators
