England's adaptive cheerleading champions chasing gold in Florida
Summary
England's adaptive cheerleading team is aiming to win their third gold medal in a row at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Florida. Adaptive cheerleading includes athletes with and without disabilities who perform routines adjusted to suit all team members.Key Facts
- The Team England Adaptive Abilities Advanced (AA) squad is competing for a "three-peat" at the world championships.
- Adaptive cheerleading features athletes with disabilities and without competing together, with routines modified as needed.
- At least 25% of each team must have a disability; about half of England’s team members have disabilities.
- Team members include people with hearing loss, wheelchair users, ADHD, scoliosis, and other conditions.
- The youngest team member is 11 years old, and the oldest is in her 50s.
- Cheerleading became an officially recognized sport by Sport England in 2025, after Olympic recognition in 2021.
- The International Cheer Union (ICU) keeps disability criteria broad to encourage global participation.
- Coaches are encouraged to gain education about working with disabled athletes to support more inclusion.
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