Loads of cheer for youngsters

Feb 25 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal

POMPONS were shaking over the weekend to raise money for two shining cheerleading squads.

Fawdon-based squads, the Kenton Gold Stars and the Shandon Stars are in need of official costumes for competitions and shows in March and June.

The mothers of the girls decided to organise a community-based cheerleading festival.

One mum Lucy Wallis, 27, from Fairstones Close in Kenton Park said: “Costumes typically cost between £45 to £50, so we’ve all been trying to raise money. Our best idea was to put on this festival.”

Families and friends of the teams have been working hard by making cakes and putting together a raffle.

Staff from Tesco Express, Kenton Lane, also contributed with snacks and refreshments.

One mum, Sammy Jay, 28, from Fawdon is going to do a sky-dive at the Peterlee Parachute Centre in April or May this year.

She said: “I am nervous but it is so important we do this.”

There’s a cheerleading competition coming up on March 28 and a special world record attempt to get 1,000 cheerleaders all doing the same routine, on June 30.

On Saturday the Kenton Gold Stars won the Team Spirit award and Most Original Dance.

Gold Star Scarlett Gardner, 11, from Gosforth Junior High, said: “It’s been a fabulous day. We want to thank our wonderful dance teacher Amanda Graham and our parents.”

Lucy Robertson, six, of Shandon Stars won best individual dance.

Bryner Ramsay, 42, from Newcastle helped co-ordinate the festival through her Kidz Get Fit pro-gramme.

She said: “The festival has been an amazing success. All the girls support one another because that’s the spirit of cheerleading.”

Emma Black