A new non-profit gym in Dorval dedicated to competitive cheerleading

On the West Island, North Shore Cheerleading, a non-profit organization in existence for more than 30 years, has recognized that it is time for their athletes to have access to the proper facilities to enable them to progress to the best of their abilities. They have recently leased a 5600 sq. ft. facility at 1430 Hymus in Dorval, not too far from its core membership, Pierrefonds/Dollard and surrounding areas.

With this new facility they will be able to bring their cheerleaders to the next competitive level and hope to attract new members from surrounding areas. They also have a team of more than 25 experienced coaches and a group of CIT, enabling them to open up more teams than ever before – a place for everyone.

Competitive cheerleading is a sport, recognized by the Government of Quebec. In the US scholarships are given to cheer athletes to attend top universities. Belonging to an all-star cheerleading team requires hours of practice, physical training, aerobic stamina. When a team hits the competition floor, they have 2.5 minutes to impress a panel of judges with an intense display of dance, stunting, pyramids, jumps and tumbling all choreographed to music. Coaches put in countless hours designing the routine and searching/editing music. This sport requires dedication and commitment and it fosters the development of self-confidence, teamwork and work ethic. Friendships are made for a lifetime and former cheerleaders return year after year to coach and share their passion for this sport.

A team of dedicated volunteers is busy painting and refurbishing the warehouse, where they will install the proper flooring for the teams to practice on. They also plan to build a dance/aerobics studio in the office area of the space. Everything will take time with limited funds but a lot of passion and commitment they are confident it is the right move. They have plans to offer tumbling, dance, aerobic, cheer birthday parties and cheer camps. They are currently looking for certified gymnastics instructors.

They are hoping to open the new facility in mid September and would gladly accept any help from the business community to support their effort and get their gym up and running. Finding sponsors and financial backing has been unsuccessful to date…. but they are hopeful some local businesses might still pitch in with either money or construction materials.

North Shore Cheerleading holds its registration for the 2008/2009 competition season at the Dollard des Ormeaux Civic Centre. Teams are now available for all ages, from ages 3 to adults. This year they will also offer recreational cheer classes for the non-competitive cheerleader and cheer dance. North Shore is also first club in Quebec to offer a competitive Special Needs Team in partnership with the WIAIH.

For more information on how you can become an all-star cheerleader, check out their website at www.nscheer.com.