EPC Cheerfest a big success

An Athabasca tradition continued last weekend with another edition of EPC Cheerfest.

The annual event was held for the seventh time on Saturday, and just like in years past it filled the Athabasca Regional Multiplex with spirit.

Twenty cheerleading teams from across the province (six of them from Athabasca) showed their skills on the mat, bringing the crowd to their feet numerous times with their amazing feats of athleticism and daring.

The Rotary Fieldhouse was filled with cheer fans, and their cheers combined with the unbridled enthusiasm of the 20 teams to create a truly electric atmosphere.

For almost a decade now, Cheerfest has put Athabasca on the map for countless young athletes and their families. There a number of people who deserve thanks and recognition for making that possible.

Much credit is due to local cheer coach and event organizer Barb Lachance, who puts in countless hours of preparation to make sure the big day runs smoothly.

Local cheer coaches at Whispering Hills Primary School, Landing Trail Intermediate School and Edwin Parr Composite all selflessly give their time to share their knowledge of the sport with today’s students.

Those students are all truly amazing athletes capable of remarkable acts most of us couldn’t even contemplate performing. Their hard work and devotion to their craft is what makes competitions like Cheerfest so unique and special.

Like any big event, volunteers are needed to help it run smoothly, and Cheerfest is no exception.

Athabasca is lucky to host such a unique event each year, and those responsible for making it happen are to be commended.