NATIONAL CHEERLEADING WEEK

NATIONAL CHEERLEADING WEEK

Every year, the first week in March is designated as National Cheerleading Week and recognizes cheerleading athletes around the world. Cheerleading is a physically demanding and challenging sport. It comprises elements of competition and teamwork while also being an integral part of an entire athletic department. Cheerleading takes supporting teams to a whole new level.

The week acknowledges the hard work and dedication of cheerleaders, their squads and coaches. Cheerleaders require physical strength, flexibility, strength and coordination. While many cheer squads are on the sidelines cheering on the football or basketball team, providing motivation and organizing the fan's support, they also compete across the country. These competitions allow cheer squads to demonstrate their skills while also challenging them and rewarding them for their hard work.

Did you know

• In 1869, the original cheer in the United States was the first football game between Rutgers and Princeton. It was an organized chant of “Sis Boom Bah.”

• Almost 30 years later in 1898, the first recognized cheerleader was at the University of Minnesota. Student Johnny Campbell directed a crowd cheering "Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-u-mah, Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Varsity, Minn-e-So-Tah!.”

• It wasn't until 1923 that the first women became cheerleaders at the University of Minnesota.

Notable Celebrity Former Cheerleaders

• Paula Abdul

• Miley Cyrus

• Amy Poehler

• Sandra Bullock

• Halle Berry

• Madonna

• Sally Fields

• Snooki

• Dakota Fanning

• Katie Couric

• Olivia Nunn

• Blake Lively

• Paul Rudd

• Robin Williams

• George W. Bush

• Cameron Diaz

• Lindsey Lohan

• Jennifer Lawrence

• Megan Fox
  

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheerleadingWeek

Invite a cheer coach to your service club, classroom or company brown-bag lunch to talk about the sport. Give a shout-out to a coach or cheerleader you know. Attend a cheerleading competition, seminar or training workshop.

Follow the week's observances with the hashtags #nationalcheerleadingweek and #tryoutjudge.

NATIONAL CHEERLEADING WEEK HISTORY

In 2005, Linda Lundy founded Cheerleading Week. The goal of the week's observance is to build a more positive image of cheerleading by engaging in group activities, community service, and fundraising projects.