MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Matthew C. Perry High School hosted the Far East Cheerleading tournament at the Matthew C. Perry gymnasium at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 2 – 6, 2015.
This is the 3rd year in a row M. C. Perry hosted the Far East Cheerleading tournament, and 12 teams from Department of Defense Education Activity Pacific participated in a week of learning and fun. The ultimate goal of cheer week is to provide student athletes a positive athletic experience that reinforces the values of a good sportsman.
Victor Rivera, high school teacher and Far East Cheer director, said sportsmanship is a major emphasis during this tournament.
“The cheer teams are here to win, but they win with dignity and lose with dignity,” said Rivera. “The idea is to make friends and share knowledge and skills.”
After four days of hard work, determination and a little fun, the 12 cheer teams came together in a final competition. Zama American High School from Camp Zama, Japan, came out on top with Top Team Performance Award for D2 schools and Kubasaki High School from Okinawa, Japan, for D1 schools.
The National Cheerleaders Association provided six cheer coaches as mentors and teachers to help the student cheerleaders improve their skills. Not only did the cheerleaders depart this week with new skills, the coaches also learned tips and techniques on how to help their teams become a better squad.
“I feel that cheer week taught me how to work with cheerleaders who have more advanced skills, to not be petty or jealous, and to appreciate the help,” said Olivia Reneau, a first year cheerleader for M.C. Perry High School.
Kip Winterowd, NCA director of curriculum, said even though all teams come to compete against each other, they all have a common goal – to cheer.
“Cheer week teaches the cheerleaders school spirit, and even as rivals, they can respect each other for what they do,” said Winterowd. “I hope they walk away with an understanding of not just cheerleading and school spirit, but understanding of something bigger than themselves and carrying school pride back home.”