Cheerleading boasts increasing international appeal

A cheerleader performs during the women's ice hockey game between Russia and Germany at the Sochi 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 9, 2014. REUTERS/Jim Young

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Cheerleading, which received provisional recognition as an Olympic sport last week, is an increasingly international activity by no means restricted to its North American birthplace, according to the man who has driven its growth over four decades.

Jim Webb has helped transform cheerleading from sideline entertainment at American football and basketball games to the sport that was granted recognition by the International Olympic Committee.