By XAVIER SMERDON
FLIPPING, twisting and flying through the air might sound scary to some people, but for a group of elite athletes and future elite athletes from Werribee, it is all part of their sport.
While it is typically thought of as a way to keep people interested in other sports, cheerleading is establishing itself as a sport in its own right.
Southern Cross Cheerleading in Werribee will be holding an open day to introduce people to their unique but rapidly growing sport.
Cheerleading coach Edi George first discovered the sport when she was studying at RMIT University and decided to use her experience as a dancer to join the university’s cheerleading team.
Since then she has travelled the world with her sport and last year her and two other coaches from Southern Cross Cheerleading flew to Disneyland in Florida to compete in the world championships, where they came second.
Ms George joked that she originally decided to try cheerleading because she “just really liked the little skirts”.
But she said the team environment was what kept her interested in the sport.
“It sounds cheesy, but it is such a positive environment to be a part of,” Ms George said.
“I like the fact that literally the weakest link can make or break the team.
“You’re always welcome, always wanted and always needed.”
Ms George said since she started the sport in 2010 she had already seen it start gain in popularity in Australia.
“It has grown exponentially,” she said.
“It seems to be something that a lot of adults are starting. It’s really addictive, you get hooked.”
Southern Cross Cheerleading will be holding their open day on Sunday 1 December from 1pm to 2pm at Werribee Gymnastics at 52 Riverside Avenue.
