ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WBAY) – A local special needs cheer squad is getting another chance to show the world their talent in the upcoming April 23-25 contest.
In Ashwaubenon, the Fusion Athletics The All-Star All-Abilities Special Needs Cheerleading Squad is the only competitive cheer ability team in Legacy, Wisconsin. Not to mention, the champions of their competitive division in 2021 who made them travel to Orlando, FL.
“It was fun because I forgot what it’s like to be on an airplane,” recalled Legacy cheerleader Zoe Shepherd with her teammate Will Hundsaker. “The funny thing was my friend Tara, she was squeezing my hand so hard that after we landed I was like ‘Do I still have my hand?
The Fusion Athletics All-Star Special-Needs Cheerleading Team won the first-place trophy at last year’s Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando. They are going back this year and the coaches say last year is going to be even more memorable, given the COVID-19 restrictions and smaller gatherings.
“It’s literally the highlight of my entire career,” shared Fusion Athletics owner Melissa Breuer. “Last year when I saw them, I was crying like a maniac the whole time that I missed my cue to unplug the iPad and turn off the music because I was crying there. It was a matter of great pride and joy. That they have found a home where they have friends and they are just regular kids and they get a chance to showcase their talents.”
The team of 12 includes cheerleaders with different abilities.
“We have everything on the autism spectrum, from children with Down syndrome to various birth defects,” Breuer explained. “We have an athlete who is hearing impaired, just a little bit of everything.”
While each brings something unique to the team, when they hit the floor and perform, coaches say they become a synchronized unit.
When asked what makes the cheer team fun, one of the team members Alivia Laluzern said, “I like to make friends.” An apt answer when standing in line with fellow cheerleaders Emerson Johnson and Dixie Hoover.
“We’ve made a big effort to include children in wheelchairs as well,” said Legacy head coach Jane McCargar. “To make sure they are as involved as anyone else. So, we have a unique approach to stunting. It really engages them so everyone participates.”
To learn more about the team and potentially sign up a child aged 5 to 21, as registration is open, Click here,
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