International Cheer Union - News

International Cheer Union Introduces Cheer to SportAccord

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Members of the International Cheer Union's Governing Council successfully introduced the sport of Cheer to executives from over 100 international sports federations and organizations at the annual SportAccord International Convention in Dubai on April 27 – 30, 2010.

"We view our meeting as extremely successful, as we were able to explain and demonstrate to the rest of the sports world what modern Cheer really is," said Jeff Webb, President of the ICU. "We accomplished this not only through a thorough and detailed formal presentation, but also through many personal meetings with fellow International Federation presidents and executives. The feedback we got was overwhelmingly positive."

In addition to a powerful video presentation, ICU representatives met with SportAccord staff during the four day meeting to review the ICU's statues. "While SportAccord praised the progress we have made in properly structuring our bylaws, they have asked us to consider a few improvements, which we believe can be quickly and easily accomplished," Webb said. "We intend to have the adjustments made within the next 60 days, and then we will submit them to our general membership for what we fully believe will be an expeditious approval."

At the meeting, the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) also asked for an opportunity to review and better understand the ICU's structure, to be certain no conflicts exist with Gymnastics. "We sincerely admire and respect Gymnastics and the FIG leadership," said Karl Olson, Secretary General of the ICU. "We believe that a thorough examination of our two sports will show that even though we share certain elements, Cheer and Gymnastics are indeed quite different."

The ICU has committed to continue its SportAccord application process and is expected to pursue a formal vote at the next annual meeting, scheduled for April 3 – 8, 2011 in London.

Liv Uggerhoj, head of the Danish Cheerleading Association and a representative of the ICU General Council, expressed optimism with the ongoing process. "We made the decision in Dubai that it was important to properly finalize our statutes, as SportAccord requested, and to constructively work to demonstrate that Cheer is indeed its own independent sport. As such, we requested that any vote on our membership be made next year in London, rather than in Dubai. Our request was accepted by SportAccord," she said.

The International Cheer Union is the international governing body for Cheer. The ICU represents the global Cheer community of 3.5 million athlete participants. There are currently 87 countries that are members of the ICU and who have their own national federations established.

The ICU's World Championships were recently held in Orlando, Florida with 60 countries participating. You can find more information concerning the 2010 World Championship by clicking here.

World Championship and SportAccord Update

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I would first like to thank you for your active participation in our 2010 Annual Council Meeting and ICU World Championships. Despite challenges presented mainly by the volcano in Iceland, the meeting and the competition were hugely successful, and we are already looking forward to even greater things next year.

The ICU has had remarkable success in building its membership and addressing its primary goals, which are to assist and support the global development of Cheer, and to be an effective voice in representing the athletes, coaches and officials who make up our sport.

As a National Federation member of the ICU, we want to assure you that we will continue to be available to assist you as you develop our sport in your country. For the overall good of our sport, it is also imperative that we stand together as we continue the development of Cheer globally. This means that each country must not only be supportive of our international organization, but must also aggressively take steps to properly represent our sport within their own respective countries.

If it has not already done so, each National Federation must promptly and actively establish a true, legal non-profit federation that is properly registered in its respective country, including pursuing the necessary steps to be recognized by the sports commission designated by the government. This means also taking the necessary steps to be inclusive in your federation by involving all groups who are active in Cheer within your country. Our ICU office, as well as your continental regional council member, stands ready to assist you in any possible way. However, it is indeed up to each National Federation to take the initiative in this particular area.

Next, I would like to report on our annual meeting of SportAccord, which we attended last week. ICU Secretary General Karl Olson and I were assisted at the meeting by Alfredo LaMont (ICU International Consultant), Liv Uggerhoej of Denmark (Athletic Representative for the ICU General Council) and Shing Fang of China (ICU General Council Member for North Asia).

During the meeting we met with SportAccord representatives to review our newly approved statutes. They were extremely complimentary of our progress in this regard, but have also requested several minor changes going forward. We will address these requests and prepare recommendations to present to the General Assembly as soon as is practically possible.

Because this was our first time to participate in SportAccord, our membership was questioned by DanceSport (whose primary discipline is Ballroom Dancing), which we feel strongly should have no role in Cheer. However, at the meeting FIG (Gymnastics) also asked for time to meet with us and review how we can more clearly establish differences between our two sports. We have agreed to actively and in good faith work with them to achieve that in the coming months.

In light of these developments, we felt (and were advised by our friends within SportAccord) that we should request a one year delay in actually submitting our request to SportAccord for a vote to become a member. This additional year will allow us the proper time to make the necessary minor changes to our bylaws and to constructively work with Gymnastics to settle any differences that might exist.

We did have the opportunity to make a presentation to the full membership of the 100+ International Federation members of SportAccord. Our presentation, which included facts about the ICU, a full description of how our sport operates, and a three minute highlight video of our World Championships, was extremely well received and served as an exciting introduction of Cheer to various sports organizations from around the world. We believe our participation at the meeting has created excellent understanding and support of the ICU, which will be extremely valuable as we move forward.

As we discussed in Orlando, I want to emphasize that the most important thing we can do for our sport is to remain strongly united and resolute in our commitment to move forward together. We now represent 87 different countries and 3.5 million athletes. If we remain united, and if we continue to work tirelessly toward our objectives, the future for our sport, our organization and each of our member Federations is extremely bright.

Thank you again for your support and I wish you the very best as you continue to build Cheer in your country.

Jeff Webb, President
International Cheer Union

2010 ICU Opening Ceremonies Parade of Nations

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The International Cheer Union World Championships will hold its 2010 Opening Ceremonies on
Thursday Evening 22 April 2010 at 17:30h (5:30 PM) at the Walt Disney World Wide World of Sports Milkhouse in Orlando, Florida, USA. Currently, we anticipate160 National Teams from over 60 Nations from around the world to be in attendance for the event & the Opening Ceremony to be held Thursday Evening 22 April 2010.

In celebration of the progress of global cheerleading; we are welcoming nation officials& cheerleading members to be part of the 2010 ICU Opening Ceremony, especially if you are unable to send teams this year.

For more information on the Parade of Nations, see below.

1). Parade of Nations Order of Introduction
*As previously noted; Nations will be in alphabetical order by NAME, with the
host nation being introduced last.
*If the nation of Greece is present, the nation will hold the distinct honor of being introduced
in the beginning of the "Parade of Nations" as the originating nation of athletic competition.
(rehearsal and reporting times to follow)

2). Placard / Sign Carrier posting your country's name. (all provided by ICU)
*ICU will provide female volunteers who carry the name of your country during
the "Parade of Nations".
*ICU will also provide the Placard / Sign bearing your countries name.
*Your Flag carrier & athletes / officials will follow the Placard / Sign Carrier
(noted below) throughout the opening ceremony.

3). Parade of Nations Flag Bearer (person of your choice, all flags provided by ICU)
*We kindly ask each nation to select its representative
to carry its nation's flag for the "Parade of Nations";
your teams & representatives will follow.
*ICU will provide ALL flags for the Opening Ceremony; however, individual athletes & fans are of course
welcome to bring their own flags in support of their nation.

4). National Teams, Representatives, and officials dress/attire for the Parade of Nations.
*Dress/attire is to the discretion of each nation, as long as
it is honorable to this very important event.

*Athletic warm ups, and/or uniforms are perfectly acceptable.

*Unified dress and/or business casual to even more formal attire
might be common; however, not required. Representation of your
nation is most important.

*Articles of clothing, attire & items that are representative to your nation's history,
pride, and/or culture is also encouraged/welcomed in this important event.

5). VIP Section
*For Federation, Government & National Organizational officials not involved
or selecting not to participate in the ICU Opening Ceremonies, there will be a
designated VIP section for the Opening Ceremony as well as for the entire
ICU World Championship. Please note: We will need names of all above
officials in preparation of VIP credentials (a separate request to follow)

6). ICU Athlete Cultural Exchange (following opening ceremony, partner stunt competition & awards)
*Following the Opening Ceremony, the ICU Partner Stunt World Championships and Award Ceremony:
the ICU will present the "ICU Athlete Cultural Exchange" immediately following.
*Designated for ICU National Team athletes & coaches only, it will be an opportunity for athletes/coaches
from over 60 nations to gather together to celebrate global cheerleading.
*Photographs, DJ included.
*Great opportunity for souvenir trading (athletes are welcome to bring items to trade), as well as meeting athletes
from around the world!

7). ICU VIP Reception (following opening ceremony, partner stunt competition & awards)
*Also following the Opening Ceremony, the ICU Partner Stunt World Championships and Award Ceremony:
the ICU will present the ICU VIP Reception.
*Designated for National Team coaches (limit 2 coaches/team), Federation, Sport Authority & Government Officials
(more details to follow)

To see a video of the 2009 Opening Ceremonies Parade of Nations, click here!

Be on the ICU Judging Committee or Judging Panel

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Are you interested in being on the ICU Judging Committee or Judging Panel? The International Cheer Union is currently gathering judging CV’s and resumes for those interested in being a part of the committee and panel for 2010!

Even if previously submitted, the ICU would very much appreciate updated resumes and CVs to have the most up to date judging experience and criteria available. The aim is to gather those of the highest level of experience and training to assure the highest quality of judging. However, this is only a starting point.
Additionally, the objective is to share this expertise through the ICU judges program to provide support in developing incredible judges (and coaches) in every nation.

If you are interested or know of qualified individuals interested in participating on ICU Judges Committees or ICU Judges Panels, Please send your CHEERLEADING and/or CHEER DANCE C.V. or resume to: info@cheerunion.org(please indicate Cheerleading and/or Cheerdance on the email). The deadline is January 20, 2010, so update and send soon!

Obviously, only the most qualified judges will be selected for the ICU World Championship with a focus on International judging experience. However, in the long term we will be looking for continent representatives to help in education and development, so all CVs and Resumes will be welcomed.

Important letter from the ICU about GAISF / Sportaccord Update

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Dear World Organizations:

Thank you for the overwhelming response on countries submitting their letters for the GAISF (now called "Sportaccord") application in recognition of the International Cheer Union.

ICU documents have been submitted to Sportaccord /GAISF prior to the 26 July deadline, and the ICU is moving forward with the process. Additionally, we are in contact with Sportaccord/GAISF President Mr. Hein Verbruggen as well Sportaccord/GAISF Director of International Federations Mrs. Nolvenn Dufay de Lavallaz regarding the favorable position of ICU and recognition of "cheer" as a sport in the Sportaccord/GAISF organization.

As we move ahead in the process, please note below are some additional items that we have to present to the Sportaccord organization in Lausanne, Switzerland. We would appreciate it very much if you can complete the following questionnaire (below) and return it by 25 August 2009 (email, or fax number +1.901.387.4358). Additionally, we understand that all countries are in various states of development of cheer; so, please answer the below questions as best you can. Do not worry if some of the questions do not apply to your organization based on the new status of "cheer" in your country. Please answer the best you can, and return on the 25 August 2009 deadline.

PLEASE NOTE: If you haven't submitted your 2 letters (a. recognition of your organization within your country, b. your organization's support of ICU as the sole international governing body for the sport of "cheer"), we will continue to accept these letters as follow up documents are submitted to Sportaccord/GAISF.

QUESTIONNAIRE

For items 1., 2., 3. only include the name of the event, date, and place where it was held.

1. List (as many as possible) the national Cheer events you have organized in the past 5 years.

2. List (as many as possible) the international “Cheer” events your athletes have competed in the last 5 years.

3. List (as many as possible) the “Cheer” congresses and meetings you have attended in the last 5 years.

4. Please confirm your organization is not-for- profit or other similar status within your country.

5. Please confirm you are the sole or major national organization for “Cheer” in your country.

6. Please confirm or show that a sports authority has granted you recognition as the governing organization for "Cheer" in your country.

7. Any letter of support that can confirm your position in your country will be greatly appreciated.

Questionnaire.pdf

We thank you for your assistance in this matter; again, please do not worry if some of the questions do not apply to your organization based on the new status of "cheer" in your country. We appreciate your efforts to answer the questionnaire the best you can, and return it by the 25 August 2009 deadline.

Thank you again, and please contact us with any questions!

Kind regards,
Karl Olson, ICU

ICU Reaches 91 Countries

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500

ICU reaches 91 countries!

A warm ICU welcome, to: Zambia!

We thank everyone for the continued support of the International Cheer Union as well as your efforts to benefit your nation's & the world's cheerleading athletes.

On behalf of the 91 member national federations of ICU, we look forward to working together to further advance cheerleading around the world, and in every nation.

Thank you again for your support of the ICU!