FROM tumbles, twists and high tosses to handstands and impressive pyramid formations, there were many memorable stunts that did not disappoint in Cheer 2018.
The 38 teams that competed this year were in it to win, judging from the jaw-dropping stunts they executed to impress judges.
The event, from 8am to 7pm, was held at the main atrium of Quill City Mall and drew a large crowd of supporters from families to school and university students who cheered their teams on with encouraging chants.
The support from the crowd was overwhelming, as not only did they cheer for their school but also chanted lines such as “We are proud of you” for opposing teams.
One school in particular, Sri Kuala Lumpur, was the loudest and even cheered to the beat of a dhol played by one of the students.
After a long and intense day, Calyx All Girls from SMJK Katholik overcame eight-time champions Cyrens from Sri Kuala Lumpur to take home the top prize in the competition.
The team topped the coveted High School Senior All-Girl Level 4 category in the final showdown.
Calyx captain Tung Mei Yee, 17, was elated that their hard work paid off.
“We have been through a lot of hard times, from injuries to trying to manage our studies and Cheer time.
“More than half of the team are in Form 5 but they managed to convince their parents to allow them to participate,” she said, adding that just four days before the competition, two members of the squad were injured, one hurt her elbow while the other severely injured her back.
Nonetheless, they gave it their all for the win.
Tung said her team practised for seven days, spending more than three-and-a-half hours each time since April.
“The team improved day by day and I am happy that people found our pyramid to be beautiful,” she said.
Cyrens took second place this year.
Cheer 2018 head judge Lim Chin Hau said many teams attempted difficult stunts this year and competition was stiff, especially in the High School Junior All-Girl Level 3 category.
“Risky stunts put teams in jeopardy in gaining infractions in their scores,” he said and advised teams to always be careful when performing difficult stunts.
Winners in other categories were SUC Senior from Sunway University College under the University Co-ed Elite category, Calyx Junior from SMJK Katholik under High School Junior All-Girl Level 3, and Zodiac from SMK Kepong under the High School Senior Co-Ed Level 4 category.
SUC Senior captain Wong Khee Yee, 22, said the team did their best to juggle studies and cheer practice but it was difficult to get everyone together, as not all were in the same field of study.
Wong was glad they managed to clinch the win.
Their last win was in 2016.
Little Lynx from SK Bukit Damansara beat nine others to take top position in the first Pee Wee Team Level 1 category, for primary school students.
Apart from watching amazing performances, spectators got to play games set up by sponsors and were gifted goodies for answering simple questions given by event host Jeremy Teo.
Cheer 2018 was organised by Star Media Group with Appeton Teengrow as the sponsor, Quill City Mall KL as the official venue sponsor and Sunway Education Group as the prize sponsor.
The product sponsors were Sunway Lost World Of Tambun, Kao Malaysia, F&N, EIG Pharma Asia, Shopee and Reckitt Benckiser.
The event was supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and the Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia.
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