Gatineau cheerleading turning up the heat

Djeneba Dosso

Elite Cheer Outaouais is offering select few a chance to join their U18 level 4 team for the 2024-25 season. This level is not currently offered in any other clubs in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

On April 12 and 13, Elite Cheer Outaouais won its first national title taking the first place in the U12 Level 2 category. After bringing home the trophy from the Canadian All-Stars Nationals in Niagara Falls, the largest cheerleading competition in Canada, the Gatineau team is gearing up for the next season. Starting the week of May 6 through Friday, May 10 tryouts are held for levels one to four and the Worlds.

Open to all, the tryouts lead to precompetitive and competitive programs. They are divided in two sections: regular which cost $5 and Worlds for a fee of $20. Once built, teams will vary with some including tumbling and others focusing on dance floorwork. A recreational program which only requires registration is available for those between the ages of three and 12. However, no matter the program, experience is not required.

Because all athletes are guaranteed a spot (with the except of the Worlds), “the tryout is a ranking process that allows our qualified and experienced coaches to determine which team best suits the skills and needs of each athlete,” reads the Elite Cheer online tryout registration page. During the assessment, participants can expect to perform stunts as well as showcase dancing and gymnastics skills.

Additionally, for the 2024-25 season, Elite Cheer Outaouais will lead a pilot team.

“This non-profit organization, which serves the Outaouais region, aims to offer a U18 level 4 for its 2024-2025 season, a level not currently offered by other clubs in the Ottawa-Gatineau region,” the cheerleading team announced in a press release on April 19.

Just days before their Prodigy team made up of athletes aged 9 to 12 won their first national title with two “hit zero” performances in which no deductions were applied, a sign of perfect execution of their routine.

Prodigy’s coaches, Rose Bernier, Sophie Houle and Kariane Thibault watched their team exceed their expectations.

“To witness the success of our athletes, to see them shine with such passion and take first place among twelve teams is a source of immense inspiration and satisfaction for us. Our pride is immeasurable.”

Photo caption: Elite Cheer Outaouais’ Prodigy team made up of athletes aged 9 through 12 took home the club’s first national title on April 12 and 13. The dynamic team won against twelve other groups at the Canadian All-Stars Nationals in Niagara Falls, the largest cheerleading competition in Canada.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Elite Cheer Outaouais.