Breaking gender stereotype at clinic

Participants warming up during the clinic session. (Left) Lim interacting with some of the participants.

LIM Jun Kang was drawn to cheerleading during his school days because of the positive team spirit of the sport.

Although cheerleading is commonly a female-dominated sport, Lim, now aged 28, has stayed involved in this arena.

Over the weekend, Lim, who is a member of the Cheerleading Association Registered of Malaysia (Charm), along with several groups of participants from schools around the Klang Valley, attended the Cheer 2018 clinic session at Sri Kuala Lumpur in Subang Jaya.

The clinic was part of the training session for the 19th Cheer 2018 grand finals, which will take place on Aug 18 at Quill City Mall in Kuala Lumpur.

“Cheerleading helps with social interaction and academics, and builds an individual’s teamwork and management skills.

“I like how cheerleading cultivates team spirit, which can also be applied later on in life.

Carlyx, one of the teams that took part in the Cheer 2018 clinic session at Sri Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, working together to perfect their routine. — Photos: NORAFIFI EHSAN/The Star  

“It has taught me discipline, trust and skills to work in a group which I also apply at work,” said Lim, who works in a consultancy.

The physically well-toned Lim said during his schooling years, he was required to enrol in a sport but lacked the height to take part in certain sports.

“I was too short to play basketball and I did not have the stamina for football. I decided to join cheerleading and was quickly roped into cheerleading competitions.

“Over the years, movies like Bring It On made cheerleading popular among youngsters. We saw more interest in the sport among youths after that movie. These days, many guys are involved in cheerleading as there is less gender stereotype,” said Lim, who was master of ceremony at the coaching clinic.

Cheer 2018 is organised by Star Media Group, with Appeton as sponsor, Quill City Mall as official venue sponsor and Sunway Education Group as prize sponsor.

The event is supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and the Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia.

Kotra Pharma marketing manager Wanda L.W. Kuan on behalf of Appeton said, “Teenagers are the future of the country and we aim to educate them to take care of their health.

“We have products for their age group which is Teengrow.”

On July 21, there will be a Cheer 2018 roadshow with activities for the public at Quill City Mall.

For details, visit TheStarCHEER Facebook page or email [e-mail]