In the month of July, we unexpectedly lost two dear friends: Victor Herrera, a performing volunteer on Cheer Los Angeles, and Ken Scearce, Sin City Classic Tournament Director. Victor Herrera Victor was a performing volunteer for Cheer Los Angeles from 2013-2021. But, to PCA and the broader cheerleading community, Victor was more than that - Victor was the glue. He attended many multi-team events with PCA: Gay Games Paris, Sin City Classic, Long Beach Pride, World Pride NYC. Victor always went out of his way to greet everybody, welcome new people and take pictures with other teams. He made new friends quickly, developed strong bonds, and loved his PCA family so fiercely. He was dedicated to the sport, the philanthropy, and the community. The devastating news of Victor’s passing brought on indescribable feelings of heartache and shock. We will remember Victor with a smile on his face, a bucket in his hand, & perfectly pointed toes. Together, we will find the strength to cheer on with Victor in our hearts. Click the link to view PCA’s tribute video for Victor. Ken Scearce Our PCA leaders were fortunate to work with and befriend Ken Scearce (Sin City Classic Tournament Director 2017-2021) as we brought Charitable Cheerleading to the event in 2018, 2019, & 2020. Ken was the kind of person who cupids right to your heart and does not let go. PCA will continue to cheer on this incredible event that Ken brought to life. We vow to uphold Ken’s legacy and keep the Sin City Classic going strong into the future.
Condolences to friends and family who are missing Ken so much. His July 20, 2021 Memorial Service was live streamed for public viewing. Click the link to access the recording of the service with Password: 2i2649.
|
|
|
July is #DisabilityPrideMonth, which we have learned can mean various things to different people. The ability and disability spectrum is an awe-inspiring rainbow of diversity that is impossible to describe in words. On PCA’s social media this month, we shared insightful and scholarly articles, timely Paralympic terminology, and internal reflections on Disability Pride from our Equity and Inclusion Committee. |
|
|
Feature PCA Member Team: CHEER Austin |
|
|
Howdy, Cheer Austin! We wanna know how it started, how it’s going, and what’s next! So we’re going to ask you about your founders, your newbies, and the future! They say you can take the person out of cheerleading but you can never take cheerleading out of the person. This is especially true for PCA cheerleaders. Tell us about your founders, where they came from, and how their relentless PCA spirit came together to start Cheer Austin. In 2016, Dani Higley (who went on to cheer for CHEER Seattle) created Cheer ATX. Dani and Abbey Corbett (formerly of Cheer New York) organized Cheer ATX’s first practice. Shortly thereafter, Dani moved to Seattle and Cheer ATX temporarily dissolved. In 2018, Cheer ATX resumed when Liz Kotara (formerly of CHEER San Francisco) reached out to Abbey about restarting the team. Abbey and Liz then met Ernie Barrera (formerly of Chicago Spirit Brigade) and discussed starting a new PCA team located in the Lone Star State and renamed our organization Cheer Austin. The founders blended the best qualities and features from Cheer New York, CHEER San Francisco, and Chicago Spirit Brigade, since those teams complement each other so well. We saw you welcomed 9 new volunCHEERleaders to Cheer Austin for Season 4. What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned about yourselves as a team from your newbies? The new members that joined Cheer Austin in Season 4 taught us that no matter what obstacle or curve ball life throws at us, we will continue to grow and overcome anything that comes our way. Our newbies made the decision to join our team when we were still in lockdown and attended practices over Zoom. They brought us hope with their knowledge, willingness to learn and try new things, and enthusiasm to help Cheer Austin grow and develop. Our new members are helping build a brighter Cheer Austin future and are a wonderful addition to our family. What events are up next for Cheer Austin? That Texas summer calendar must be HOTHOTHOT! Tell us when, where, and how we can engage with your team! We are so excited that Austin Pride will be happening in person, Saturday August 14th! We can’t wait to participate again and be with our community in person again! Follow Cheer Austin and Austin Pride on social media to catch some glimpses of us in the parade! Austin Pride marks the close to our season, but we’ll start up again with try-outs in late September/early October (and it will still be HOTHOTHOT). Check out Cheer Austin on Facebook and Instagram for dates! More information on how to join can be found on our website. |
|
|
Pride Cheerleading Association is on TikTok and our very first video got >1400 views! Search @PrideCheerAssociation. Like & Follow! Think you’re too old? Prehistoric Dino doesn’t think so! |
|
|
PCA Comeback and Tryouts! |
|
|
Keep your eyes on PCA on social media to follow the #PCAComebackTour, as teams safely return to community appearances, and the #PCATryoutTour, as teams host tryouts for the 2021-2022 season. |
|
|
"Happy Pride” FB Frame still available |
|
|
On the PCA calendar, “Pride Season” goes all the way to November! Show the world how HAPPY that makes you. Click on your Facebook profile photo and select “Add Frame.” Search for “PCA Happy Pride 2021” by @PrideCheerleadingAssociation. |
|
|
Love glitter? Love PCA? Treat yourself to sparkly PCA tank tops, crop hoodies, joggers, & more! When you buy from the PCA ProShop, 10% gets donated to PCA! So many reasons to sparkle! |
|
|
PCA Uniform Photo Contest |
|
|
In celebration of Pride Month and the #PCAComebackTour, we shipped PCA uniform gifts to each of our 13 PCA Member Teams and gave them a month to stage the most incredible photos. Here are the winning photos: Category is: 🌟The Classic - Classic setting/background, confident and proud body language. Winner is: 🏆Cheer Portland - Maraya at Rattlesnake Ridge |
|
|
Category is: 🌟Fantastic - Fantasy, whimsy, hopes & dreams! We expect the unexpected! Winners are (it’s a tie!): 🏆CHEER San Francisco - Luis finds a magical pool 🏆CHEER Colorado - Kristen scales Mt. Elbert |
|
|
|
|
