Holiday Cheer!

As we pack off for our holiday weekends, Cheer New York would like to leave you with this delightful spot for GAP. (No, though we ARE stars of a national commerical, this is not us.) But we heartily agree that everything looks better with healthy dose of cheerleaders added to the mix!

We do not recommend throwing basket tosses without a back spot, as they do here. Enjoy!

A Great Party at Elmo!

Cheer New York hosted a mixer for NYC's GLBT community sports teams on Monday, Nov 16th. If you could not attend, well, you really missed out.

The venue was Elmo Restaurant's trendy downstairs lounge. Amidst the hot tunes spun by DJ Raymond Di Giacomo, NYC athletes and their friends mingled, danced all night and enjoyed the "Cheer-tini" drink special served by cute bartenders! The very funny and talented Chaka Khanvict was the mistress of ceremonies, overseeing contests and dance-offs. Cheer New York performances and cheer go-go boys kept the party going. The night culminated with a raffle for fabulous prizes, including trapeze lessons, a trampoline class, and a tumbling/gymnastics class (all from STREB Lab for Action Mechanics-S.L.A.M.), a sporty $180 jacket (courtesy of North Face), tickets to the NYU Skirball Center's world premiere of the Japanese musical, "Talk Like Singing," and even a one-hour deep-tissue massage from CNY cheerleader and certified massage therapist, Paul S.

Everyone had a great time and money raised will go towards the CNY Gay Games fund! Cheer New York is grateful to all athletes and guests who attended and all the sponsors who assisted with this fun and exciting event! Thank you!

For more pictures, check out our Facebook album here.

See you at the next party!!!

An Update regarding Andrew Jonas

The Cheer New York organization would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and kind words on the passing earlier this month of our Founding Director, Andrew Jonas.

We've been in touch with Andrew's mother Dottie, and wanted to relay the following information.

There is still no official cause of death, and his mother decided not to have a service, as was his expressed wishes. Andrew had also asked that in lieu of flowers or service, donations be made in his name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. To that end, Cheer New York has established a fundraising page, where donations can be made in his memory. It can be found here: www.mystjudeheroes.org/CheerNY. Donations may also be made via PayPal at the Cheer NY website (http://www.cheerny.org/donations.htm). Please make a note on the CNY website that your donation is for Andrew.

We hope it will bring his mother comfort to know that Andrew is remembered by the community he gave so much to.

At Saturday's annual Cheer New York Anniversary and Team Awards Dinner, the squad took time to remember Andrew. Leadership and members shared their memories and paid tribute to his hard work and devotion that helped shaped the team into the organization it is today. In addition, a moment of silence was observed, which was broken by the familiar and time-honored chant: "We are proud of you, we are proud of you!"

Andrew's spirit and vision live on through the charitable works and family that is Cheer NY. But Andrew also lives on because he chose to be an organ donor. Eight people will enjoy improved health and longer and fuller lives because of his selfless gift. Let this be a reminder of the importance of these programs and please take a moment to consider making a similar pledge, if your faith allows. Information can be found here.

Later this fall, the team will be conducting the first ever “Andrew Jonas Children’s Cheer Workshop.” We wanted to pay tribute to Andrew's love of both cheerleading and teaching by offering free expert instruction to an under-funded New York City school. We are in the process of selecting a school that might otherwise not be able to afford any proper cheer coaching. It is CNY administration's intention to make this an annual event. We felt spreading the joy of cheering and ensuring the safety of the next generation of cheerleaders was a fitting and lasting tribute to Andrew’s name.

Last, this Sunday (Oct 18th), the team will gather with Andrew's mother, from 2 pm to 5 pm, to share memories, a potluck meal, and raise a glass of toast to him. Please contact our current Director, Felipe H., at info@cheerny.org to RSVP or if you would like more information.

The Administration and Members of Cheer New York

2009 CNY Awards: "The Fiercies!"

The team traded in their sweats and spankies for more far more upscale attire for Saturday night's event. It was the evening anticipated all season, the annual team birthday dinner and Cheer New York Awards night!

Our master of ceremonies, Director Felipe H. (above with asst. Captain Katie) set the fashion high bar, cutting a suave figure in his tuxedo. Other teammates followed suit, in beautiful cocktail dresses and upscale suits and ties. The fashion trends for the evening were shades of purple and debonair scarves. No reports on who people were wearing, but it wasn't Varsity! (Click pics to enlarge.)

The venue was Elmo, where the team gathered to celebrate the start of our eighth year together. Feasting on a buffet of chicken, salmon and mashed potatoes, everyone was buzzing, "Who would take home the coveted 2009 Cheer New York Awards?" With a team as fierce and talented as Cheer New York, it's anyone's game. The team and administration voted and the tallies were close.

But it wasn't only a celebratory dinner. The team took a moment to remember Andrew Jonas. Andrew was the founding director of Cheer New York and passed away just weeks ago. Leadership and members took some moments to share their memories, and pay tribute to his hard work and devotion that helped shape the team into the fantastic organization it is today. A moment of silence was observed, which was broken by the familiar and time-honored chant: "We are proud of you, we are proud of you!"

After the awards were handed out, delicious red velvet cupcakes, courtesy of Nicholas F. and Nicholas P. were happily devoured by all.


The coveted "Cheerleader of the Year" award went to flyer, Nicholas F. a recognition of his tireless commitment; to the team, to the sport, to our fundraising efforts.

Other CNY AWARD WINNERS were:
Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud Award 2009 - Nicholas F.
Best Jumps Award 2009 – Lamont J.
Deney Terio Dance Award 2009 – Lamont J.
Mary Lou Retton Award 2009 – Monica M.
Cheer for Life Award 2009 - Rick H. & Kerry H.
Unsung Hero Award 2009 – Ren F.
Miss Congeniality Award 2009 – Joey B.
CNY Auxiliary Award 2009 (new category!!!) – Jeffrey D.
CNY Most Improved Flier Award 2009 – Maiko N.
CNY Most Improved Mid-Base Award 2009 – Cameo B.
CNY Most Improved Base Award 2009 – Stephen D.
CNY Recognition Awards 2009: Katie M., Nicholas P., Lara B., Mike V., Scott W., Clay S., Felipe H.

Still going strong after eight years together,
pride and spirit, now and forever, Cheer New York!

To see more pictures from the night, check out CNY's Facebook Album.

Remembering Andrew Jonas

Sad news to relay today, Andrew Jonas, former Director and one of the founders of Cheer New York, has passed away in his mother's home.

Andrew was instrumental in Cheer New York's early years and without his dedication and hard work, the team would never have grown and thrived into the organization it is. Also known by the nickname, "Princess," Andrew's forceful and unique personality was legendary among the team and throughout New York City. He will be missed. Cheer New York is grateful for all the time and attention Andrew provided during his tenure with the team.

We are grieved by this sad news and offer our support, thoughts and prayers to his mother, friends and family.

Felipe H.
Director
Co-Founder

Clay S.
Business Manager

Scott W.
Marketing Manager

Mike V.
Asst. Coach

CNY on LX NY

Earlier this week, we gave you a head's up about Cheer NY's upcoming segment on the new WNBC afternoon show LX NY. We hope you set your dvrs. But in case you missed it, you can check it out on their WNBC website, or right here!

Hope you enjoy watching it as much as the team enjoyed taping it! Correspondent Ben Aaron is truly a talented and funny guy.

Oh and in case you're wondering about what you see, it's not really as intimidating to try out as Aaron makes it seem. We played it up for comedy. What IS true, is CNY is supportive and works hard to help anyone be the best we can be. When people try out, the team cheers for them and wants everyone to learn, grow and excel as an athlete!

Let's hear it for the boys!

Film still from Ready? OK!,
the story of a boy who just wants to cheer!

Of course Cheer New York makes it a habit of checking out the latest news, reports and great photos and fashion that the cheer magazines feature every month. They're great resources for safety tips, new stunts and mounts, fundraising ideas and so much more. But one thing you rarely see in the spotlight are the men of cheerleading.

We get it. We understand that the mainstream cheerleading market is mostly made up of teenage girls. Also, all eyes are usually on flyers, and more often than not, they are exclusively women (well, except on Cheer NY and other Pride Cheerleading Association teams).

Still, this cheerleader got a moment's thrill when he spied the current issue of Inside Cheerleading magazine. There, front and center of their All-Star issue cover, is a handsome young MAN. A true rarity in the cheer press, where images of women usually dominate, 10 to 1, and men are almost never featured alone especially on a cover.

So Cheer NY is sending a shout out and "thanks" to Inside Cheerleading for devoting one out of six covers and symbolically spotlighting the often overlooked and unsung male contingent of the cheer community. Men increasingly are recognizing that cheerleading is a tough, demanding, challenging and rewarding sport that anyone can be proud to be a part of. And we thank Inside Cheerleading for noticing!

You can check out Inside Cheerleading's blog here. Coverboy Griff is one of the authors, by the way.

CNY Bachelor Auction, this Tuesday!

Some of Cheer New York's hunkiest bachelors will be on the block this Tuesday for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit Cheer New York's Gay Games fund.

Cheer New York will be traveling to Cologne, Germany in less than a year, to cheer for Team New York athletes as they compete in the Gay Games 2010. Help Cheer NY get there by attending and forwarding this invite to your friends.

Special CNY guest Shocka Convict will be hosting the night and as always, look for NYC's premier GLBT cheer squad to entertain with stunts, dances and lots of spirit.

Date:	Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time:	8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	Boots and Saddle Bar
Street:	76 Christopher Street

For more information, see our Facebook page invite.