The new ‘HUB’ in Craigavon, Northern Ireland witnessed the coming together of Sporting Governing Bodies, MLA’s, Health Department Officials and Fitness Industry Representatives to share new initiatives and establish working partnerships in their mission to get “our communities active”.

UKCA Northern Ireland Representative, Karen Graham was one of the delegates invited on the priority Guest list which included:

• Paul Clark from UTV who chaired the proceedings
• Minister of Health Edwin Poots MLA
• John News from Sport NI
• Dr David Hassan University of Ulster
• Director of Public Affairs from the FIA
• Volunteer Now Representative
• Director SHSCT Promoting Wellbeing was also on the Guest list and panel for the exciting seminar.

Many objectives and visions were shared as each organisation delivered their strategy and vision in this the year of London 2012 to get “our nation active”.

Startling statistics highlighted at the seminar outlined the huge burden on the health service and the stark rise in silent killer chronic diseases such as diabetes and chronic heart disease were concerns raised by all delegates.

The reassuring evidence of the work and strategies being put in place by all departments in attendance highlighted the commitment, care and quality of service to increasing the health of our nation.

UKCA was honoured to have its work and vision recognised and has exciting plans in place to continue its development of its vital role in providing a ‘Channel for Health & Social Education through Cheerleading.

A fabulous day was had by all on March 31^st in what Northern Ireland can now recognise as its biggest and best Home Nation UKCA Event to date.

Each year we have witnessed the skill level in the sport grow from what was level 1 in 2009 to level 4 & 5 this year in 2012.

UKCA are proud to be the pioneering and continuing driving force behind the growth & development of Cheerleading in the Home Nation.

2012 also witnessed new categories added to the Championships such as Freestyle & Street Cheer and the entries in the Stunt Group section were encouraging with 2011 being the inaugural year to promote this category.

All age divisions were represented this year from Tiny Teenies to Masters. Thank you EBAC for motivating the “will we, wont we have a go ….” future masters lurking in the NI Clubs. Hopefully we will see additional teams participate in 2013!

20 Clubs competed this year and it was fantastic to witness new grass root teams and clubs participate proving that the sport is booming in Northern Ireland under the direction of UKCA education system.

520 Cheerleaders took to the floor, including this year our first male competitors from Ravens & EBAC and the venue was seated to capacity prompting perhaps a bigger venue for 2013.  It was also encouraging to see our school teams enter the open categories too.

What a giant step forward in the development of our sport of smiles.

UKCA has trained in excess of 6200 Coaches, Teachers & Young Leaders and 2012 is so far proving to be the most active and successful yet. Credit must be given to our amazing President Mrs Pat Hawkins who continues to work tirelessly to support UKCA work here in the Home Nation, as well as around the world.

Congratulations to all Coaches, Helpers and Cheerleaders for all your hard work in giving us all a day to remember.

European Championships selection

Congratulations also go to the Top 4 Northern Ireland Teams who received an invitation from UKCA to represent at the 2012 European Championships in Rimini, Italy this summer: Galaxy GTC, Galway City Cougars, Mullabuoy Mayhem, Olympus Girls Club & Riada Rockets.

31^st May will witness the inaugural UKCA Schools Festival in Northern Ireland

Antrim Borough Council has been proactive in establishing this exciting event for Primary Schools in the Council area. The event will be aimed at grass root level Cheerleading, in partnership with UKCA, with end goals of encouraging even greater participation in our sport and ultimately, attendance at the National Schools Competition 2013.

The event is also in conjunction with the Active Antrim Programme to encourage healthy lifestyles and participation in sport, echoing the Mission of UKCA.

Northern Ireland Representative Karen Graham will be supporting the Council & delighted to be Judging on the day, whilst mentoring UKCA qualified Antrim Coach Samantha Burrell who has been admirably teaching the routines to the participating schools in preparation for 31^st May.

We will keep you updated with results and images.