Cheer Dawgs Xplosion
CheerABILITIES
Exceptional Athlete's Program
Playing sports at any level can be a key part of a young person’s development and have a lasting impact on their life. Among its many benefits, being involved in athletics develops friendships, independence, confidence, mental focus, and, of course, physical fitness. Sports can teach valuable lessons about grit, discipline, teamwork and, most importantly, the respect that comes with inclusion. These benefits are universal for all individuals, including those with disabilities. That’s the goal of USASF’s Exceptional Athlete Division — to empower individuals with disabilities with an “I can do” attitude.
What is CheerABILITIES?
The USASF has carefully designed the CheerABILITIES Program for the Exceptional Athlete that:
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is safe, fun and good exercise
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improves flexibility and strength
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enhances independence and self-confidence
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provides a place for positive social interaction
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provides peer support and shared experiences among families
The USASF provides rules, safety guidelines and specialized training for coaches and assistants of CheerABILITIES. These coaches do more than help athletes learn new skills - they create opportunities for better integration in the larger community and help guide them toward self-acknowledgement.
What to expect at a competition
Individuals with disabilities have the capacity to achieve and to compete. Successful teams are those that have fun, project emotion, show excitement and demonstrate high energy throughout the routine.
At a competition, a judge considers an Exceptional Athlete Division team’s efforts to attempt various skills and scores and rewards in the following categories:
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creativity and choreography
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transitions and formations
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jumps
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tumbling
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building skills
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motions
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dance
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overall impression
Let’s get started!
Make sure your athlete has the go-ahead from his or her physician to participate in All Star Cheer. The USASF highly recommends your athlete get a physical from a physician to include a heart screening. With proper guidance, safety precautions and activity adaptations, the risk of injury to varied-abled athletes is no greater than that to athletes without disabilities.
