Lewis cheerleading finishes fifth at Nationals
The question still remains, should cheerleading be considered a sport?
Melissa Ybarra
Issue date: 4/23/04 Section: Sports
Sneddon said, "Squads that don't compete and just cheer are more like clubs, but cheerleaders that compete against different squads should be recognized as a sport." It's true, cheerleading takes time, practice, dedication, skill and cooperation just like any other sport does.
Could it be possible that people look past cheerleading as a sport because it looks so easy? When people see cheerleaders fly through the air so gracefully and catch people with ease, they take it for granted. But in all actuality, cheerleaders go through much physical strain during practice and competition. Sneddon says, "I've broken my nose, and had stitches in my mouth before. Cheerleading is just as physical as any others."
There is absolutely no difference between cheerleading, basketball, football or baseball as a sport.
All practice to better the team, all compete to be the best, and all involve physical endurance.
So when will cheerleading be considered a sport? Horstmann said, "It's always going to be a controversy, but if we can work hard and get fifth in the nation, I think we deserve enough respect to be considered a sport."
Could it be possible that people look past cheerleading as a sport because it looks so easy? When people see cheerleaders fly through the air so gracefully and catch people with ease, they take it for granted. But in all actuality, cheerleaders go through much physical strain during practice and competition. Sneddon says, "I've broken my nose, and had stitches in my mouth before. Cheerleading is just as physical as any others."
There is absolutely no difference between cheerleading, basketball, football or baseball as a sport.
All practice to better the team, all compete to be the best, and all involve physical endurance.
So when will cheerleading be considered a sport? Horstmann said, "It's always going to be a controversy, but if we can work hard and get fifth in the nation, I think we deserve enough respect to be considered a sport."
