For the first time in the province’s history, a cheerleading team that includes athletes with disabilities will be competing on a world stage.
Smiles, excitement, and passion were all on display at Coastal Wave Elite in Mount Pearl on Thursday as members of Team Pulse celebrated being selected to represent Canada at the 2025 International Cheer Union’s World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.
The team is a unified special abilities team, and is made of up people both with and without disabilities.
Coastal Wave says the team was a first of its kind in the province, allowing persons with disabilities to compete provincially and nationally, and now they are going international.
Coach Jenna Phillips.
One of the team’s coaches, Jenna Phillips, recounts telling the team they were selected to compete at the world championships.
“It was absolutely incredible. The kids were so excited. there was lots of tears of happiness, lots of tears of joy, and it was just an overwhelming feeling all together” says Phillips.
Athlete Julia Crocker.
Athlete Julia Crocker says she is excited to compete in Orlando. She describes what being a part of Team Pulse has meant to her.
“I walk in here and all the boundaries just go out the window. Anything I can do, I can do in here and it’s amazing” says Crocker.
The World cheerleading championships are taking place April 23rd to the 25th in Orlando.
