Local cheerleader Gracie Curtis and the rest of her cheerleading team ‘CHROM3’ from Euphoria Allstars in Strabane are heading for the Allstar World Championships in America.
In just under a week they will take to the main stage at the championships to fulfil what only can be described as a dream come through for Gracie.
The Co-Ed Level 3 team comprises 12 athletes who have been training in Strabane, getting ready for their big trip to Orlando after qualifying for the Worlds last February at the competition ‘ICE’ in the Antrim Forum.
At their two most recent competitions ‘CHROM3’ have been very successful and placed 1st, two fantastic wins for them as they prepare to compete in the International Co-Ed Level 3 division at the Worlds.
Since qualifying last year they have been fundraising to help make their dream trip come true to Orlando, Florida.
The athletes and coaches appreciate all the support received so far and cannot wait to take to the stage and showcase what they have been working so hard for.
Gracie has been training and working towards this level from the age of four.
Her journey started in the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown when she joined the Gymnastics class which was led by Declan, Lee and Naoise her current coach at Bridge Gymnastics in Enniskillen.
It was here she came across Jets Cheerleading who she trained with in Enniskillen.
Gracie continued to train and compete in this team for years while also training four days a week with Bridge Gymnastics competing in many competitions across Ireland.
It was just last year that Gracie made the move to Strabane to join her current Cheer team Euphoria Allstars.
And now with all the work done over the years, it comes down to the competition in Florida. Looking ahead to the championships Gracie said: ”At these championships, we will be competing against the best teams in the world in our league and it is hard to believe that I am getting this chance to show what I can do along with the rest of my teammates.
“We know the competition is going to be like nothing we have done before as this is world level but we have proved ourselves against the best in Ireland and have put in many hours of hard work in our gym tumbling and stunting along with classes solely based on strength and conditioning to be prepared for this so we are not travelling all the way to Orlando just to make up the numbers and are hoping for a top three finish.”
Asked what advice she would give others who are interested in getting into cheer, Gracie continued: “I would say go for it and start cheer. Even if it’s just cheer for fun as it’s only here you will get a glimpse of how much team spirit and friendships you will make.
“Once you make that step to competitive cheer you really see the hard work and long hours in the gym it takes but once you step onto that mat to compete you forget all about those hard practices and it’s just you and your closest friends working for the same dream and each and every one of you afraid to let the other down.
“Cheer isn’t just about the competitions though it’s about friendships and memories that’ll last a lifetime.”
Gracie’s coaches, Majella Beacom at Jets and Abby McLaughlin at Euphoria have seen first-hand the progress she has made.
“Gracie started her Jets Cheerleading journey in our Irvinestown classes as part of our mini team. She then moved up to our Enniskillen classes and spent 11 wonderful years moving up through our competitive teams as a flyer,” explained Majella.
“Gracie was a valuable member of the team with fantastic gymnastic skills and always loved flying high in her stunt group. Strong beautiful friendships were built and wonderful memories made including a trip to America in 2019.
“Gracie and her team took in the sights of New York and attended Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp. Gracie holds all the great qualities of a cheerleader. She is hard-working, motivated, determined and full of great spirit.”
Abby at Euphoria commented: “Since Gracie joined the level 3 team CHROM3 in 2023, she became fully committed to the team. She travels up and down to Strabane every week to practice.
“Going to the World Championships is such an achievement and is every cheerleader’s dream, which is why Gracie has shown great determination on this team over the past year.
“It means the absolute world to this team of 12 athletes to compete at the Allstar World Championships. Some of the athletes on CHROM3 have been cheerleading since Euphoria opened 10 years ago. Competing on the Worlds’ floor is every cheerleader’s dream and the team cannot believe how lucky they are to get this opportunity.
CHROM3 are hoping to put out a great performance at Worlds on Thursday, April 18 that will allow them to advance into finals the following day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here