CHEERLEADING is not just only considered as one of the highly-anticipated events in collegiate events. Before, it was only being used to spice up the competitions either in the UAAP or the NCAA, but it has become a centerpiece event through the years and fans had been eagerly awaiting each school to come up with different stunts, maneuvers and moves that would define their greatness.
No wonder, the National Cheerleading Competition was created to pool players to compete and represent the country in Asian and world competitions.
Chot Reyes, president of TV5, whose sports-inclined network ESPN5 will be covering the NCC, believes on the potential of our cheerleaders to win medals in the Asian competitions and probably bring their fortunes all the way to the world level and the Olympics.
“I can say that cheerleading has the potential of winning medal not just in the Asian level, but probably in the world level and hopefully, the Olympics. If we’re going to include cheerleading in the SEA Games, I can say that there is a great chance for us to win the gold medal,” said Reyes, former coach of Gilas Pilipinas.
The first stage of the NCC will be held on Oct. 6 as it will kick off its Southern Luzon leg at the Robinsons Mall in Las Piñas.
According to Carlos Valdes, founder of the NCC, what makes cheerleaders distinct from other athletes is the mentality of being fearless.
“It requires courage over anxiety, resolve over doubt, discipline over comfort. You really have to be fearless,” Valdes said.
The 14th season of this event is expected to draw the top competing teams in the Southern Tagalog area where the qualifiers will make it to the national level of the cheer, dance and drum line competition, which will be held in March 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Over 300 competitors from different parts of the country will vie for supremacy In hope of representing the country to compete in the Asia and Oceania meet as well as the World Championships to be held in Orlando, Florida next year. — Rey Joble
