Canadian Cheer Abilities Team Makes History

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Want to hear something groundbreaking, life changing, and dare I say, epic?

First, read below. It’s a post I wrote in 2018—back when my daughter’s cheer team was referred to as a Special Abilities team comprised of special needs kids.

And when you’re done reading about how they didn’t actually compete at competitions, please read on. There’s an update below the original post. And it’s worth knowing. And sharing. Because this is the stuff of positive and powerful change.

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February, 2018

When my daughter’s cheer team competed performed at the 2018 Provincial Championships, they beamed in the spotlight. It was a glorious moment in time.

So why did I leave feeling gutted? 

The coaches and volunteers have shaped this team into a world class cheerleading force. The saw the power and potential in these athletes from the beginning and are giving them the opportunity to feel the strength and joy of working together as a team.

I am grateful for this and feel incredibly proud. But, I’m also feeling the kind of sadness you try to keep hidden by swallowing hard to push down the burning lump in your throat.

I shared this photo of my daughter proudly clutching her team trophy on Instagram with the caption: “Team Eternity cheered their hearts out at the 2018 Provincial Championships!”

They did cheered hard and got a trophy. All the Special Abilities teams got one. In a non-compete division, everybody wins. I have no issue with that. Some teams aren’t ready to compete or have no interest at this time. Adjusting to the lights and loud music and crowds plus the stunts and choreography can be overwhelming.

My daughter doesn’t know that her team isn’t being officially scored. And she doesn’t care if they win or lose. She’s sincerely happy to just be there in the moment. And to be wearing that enormous bow. 

This was only her second cheerleading meet ever. At the first event the adaptive teams were interspersed with the traditional All Star teams.

At this second, much larger province wide event, the Special Abilities teams were scheduled back to back in one block. When the first adaptive team stepped onto the mat, most of the judges got up and left.

I’m not judging the judges. People need to pee. They need to stretch their legs and fill their coffee mugs. It just stung that they saw this as a convenient “break” in the program. 

As for the woman seated behind me in the stands? When the adaptive block began she squawked, “What’s happening here? Oh waaaaaait. These are the special needs kids.” It was like a little Oprah uh-huh moment only super condescending. By the time my daughter’s team came on she was talking loudly on her phone, not paying attention in the least, just killing time until the “break” was over. 

It was equally painful and infuriating.

What I also found difficult was watching the dozens of competitive teams comprised of girls (mostly…there were a few boys) my daughter’s age—her chromosomally intact peers with their sparkly outfits, winged eyes, and bouncy hair. 

Their physical abilities were jaw dropping. The way they moved with such confidence and skill. Not to mention their sassy dance moves and dramatic facial expressions. I don’t mean to take anything away from these talented athletes. They obviously train hard and love what they do. I cheered for them enthusiastically and sincerely because they were amazing. But just, ugh. 

I wouldn’t change my daughter for the world. It would actually be a disservice to the world if I did. I’m so proud of her team of young people. It’s just sometimes experiences like these leave me feeling a little tender.

This was just one of those times. 

We’ll continue to attend cheerleading competitions. And even though they’re showcases more than true competitions, I’ll be there hooting and clapping and cheering on this groundbreaking team. 

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December, 2021

Team Eternity has made Canadian history! They are the first Cheer Abilities team to compete in Canada. At the 2021 Cheer For the Cure, the team was officially scored by judges. And, Eternity’s name appeared on the results board for the first time ever.

Coaching staff received valuable feedback from the judging panel. These suggestions for areas for improvement will guide future practises and help set goals that will allow this team to continue to grow and push the limits.

How did this happen?

Team Eternity’s Coaching Staff, that’s how. They advocate tirelessly for this team because they know ableism has no place in sport or in life.

And so here we are in 2021, fresh on the heels of the team’s first true competition. Team Eternity from Power Cheer Toronto, is blazing a trail ahead for other disabled athletes to follow. And that’s something to cheer about.

You can watch the routine below. It’s not as complex as in years past, but you know, a pandemic will do that. Give them time to train and catch up and ka-pow… this team is going places.