Cheerleading Tournament in USA. Twelve learners from Curro Aurora in Randburg, Johannesburg, will be traveling to sunny Orlando, Florida next year. They will represent South Africa at the 2023 International Cheerleading Union (ICU) Championships.
Nine current learners were also chosen to represent each of the national team categories. Austin Jansen Van Rensburg, Cassidy Steenveld, Livhuwani Damari, Rinawe Mainganya, Staci Barrett, and Tyra Carlinsky were chosen to represent the Junior Co-ed team. A further three learners were also picked for the Junior Co-ed (15 to 18) division. This division include Keira Du Plessis, Tae Jansen Van Rensburg, and Zoe Lehman.
The final three were chosen from the Curro Aurora Alumni pool. Included are Kelly Du Plessis, Keira Montile, and Nicole Krause. They were also picked for the Senior All Girl (16 plus) division.
The group’s fantastic achievement comes after all the learners triumphed in both the local and national cheerleading leagues. It was held in Randburg last month. The selection was organised by the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA). The intensive two-day selection process tests the fitness levels of cheerleaders across the country. They are graded on their tumbling, single base, and multi-base stunts, tosses, and pyramids.
Competitive cheerleading
“We are exceptionally proud of the Curro Aurora team for their phenomenal achievement. Competitive cheerleading is indeed a demanding team sport. It requires many hours of hard work and dedication all year round. They also have to reach the level of fitness and technical skill required to perform in the top leagues. Huge credit must go to the hard-working learners, coaches, and supportive cheerleading parents.” said JC Engelbrecht, Executive Head at Curro Aurora.
This is not the first-time learners from the school will compete in the tournament. In 2019, the school team was represented by five Protea cheerleaders. The team included Livhuwani Damari, and Nicole Krause. They will will compete again in 2023.
“When I joined cheerleading, I wasn’t sure what to expect but after that first season, it felt like the sport was tailor-made for me. I have made so many friends and learned so much. You simply cannot compare cheerleading to any other sport. I am forever grateful to be able to represent my country,” says Grade 10 learner, Livhuwani Damari.
Cheering on South Africa
Originating in the western state of Minnesota, cheerleading has often been considered an American sport. However, thanks to predominantly Hollywood movies, its popularity has gained momentum. At the 2028 games, the International Olympic Committee also made it an official event.
South Africans have been enjoying competitive cheerleading from as far back as 1998. A national team has been represented at the ICU tournament since 2011. The 2019 tournament brought together cheerleaders from 95 countries around the world. Team South Africa Co-ed came out in 5th place. Team South Africa Junior came out 6th, and Team South Africa All Girls 11th.
“Curro Aurora has been developing and investing in cheerleading since 2017. The decision was taken to offer it as an official primary and high school sport. Since then, we have seen the number of learners wanting to take up cheerleading increase every single year. Their talent and commitment mean we consistently enjoy success in provincial tournaments. Steve Krause, Cheerleading Manager at Curro Aurora, said “Our motto, ‘cheer your heart out’, is reflected by all the those that got selected for the national team.”
The chosen learners will now join 64 other cheerleaders. They will make up South Africa’s national cheerleading teams. in the run-up to the tournament, they will be required to participate in national team training sessions. The cheerleading teams captains selection is expected to be made later this year.
More School news: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za
Photos supplied