CHEER is back to inspire

One for the album: (From fourth left) Quill Group of Companies COO Ng Chee Keong, Martin, Kuan and Sunway Education Group branding and corporate communications director Patrick McVeigh posing with the cheerleading teams during the Cheer 2018 launch event at Menara Star. Right: Zara (on top) and her team members performing a move during the Cheer 2018 launch event.

PETALING JAYA: CHEER – Malaysia’s biggest cheerleading contest, known for its young competitors’ jaw-dropping stunts and acrobatics – is back.

In its 19th edition this year, the adrenaline pumping event has been well received in the past by both participants and audiences.

Even the event sponsors are keen to see what CHEER 2018, which is open to all schools and universities nationwide, has in store for them.

“Cheerleading is a type of sport that focuses on creativity. It will be inspiring and exciting, and we are looking forward to it,” said Kotra Pharma Sdn Bhd marketing manager Wanda Kuan.

Kotra Pharma is sponsoring Appeton Teengrow for all 750 participants.

Kuan said they are happy to support CHEER because the event allows participants to learn teamwork.

“They have to trust their team members in order to compete successfully,” she said.

On the company’s part, Kuan said they want to educate participants and other teenagers about the importance of staying healthy from a young age.

Zara (on top) and her team members performing a move during the Cheer 2018 launch event.

“Appeton Teengrow is formulated for teenagers to optimise their growth. It contains multivitamins needed for growth,” she said in an interview after the launch of CHEER 2018 at Menara Star yesterday.

Star Media Group executive editor Brian Martin in his welcoming speech said cheerleading inspires leadership, responsibility, confidence, and camaraderie.

“It shows you that you can accomplish difficult things and it surrounds you with good, supportive friends.

“Star Media Group has been extremely proud to have CHEER as a platform for youth to channel their passion, express their talent as well as gain recognition for all the blood, sweat and tears they’ve poured into countless hours of practice,” he said.

He said 30 cheerleading teams competed for the title of overall champions in four categories last year.

“This year marks the 19th edition of Cheer and if the past years are any indication, we’ll be seeing even more mind-blowing flips, twirls, and tosses from cheerleaders, and more importantly their awe-inspiring team spirit.

“As the teams vie for a spot in the CHEER hall of fame this year, I hope all the cheerleaders know that competing here against the nation’s best is victory in itself and that everyone goes home from the finals feeling nothing but pride,” he added.

Zara Anim Zulaikha Azmi, 14, from Sri Kuala Lumpur school, said she would be competing in the High School All-Girls category (Level 4 skills stunts) with her 24 team members under the Cyrens cheerleading team.

“It is quite exciting to compete under Cyrens team as they have been the champion for eight years in a row for the All-Girls category title,” said Zara, the eldest of two siblings.

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

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

There will be a CHEER Clinic to build up self-confidence among the participants on July 15 at Sri Kuala Lumpur School as well as a CHEER roadshow with activities for the public to promote the competition and the sport at Quill City Mall KL on July 21.

CHEER 2018 Grand Finals will be a one-day event at Quill City Mall KL on Aug 18.

For details, visit Facebook at TheStarCHEER or email inquiries to [e-mail].