2013-2014 Newbies Announced!

Just a few weeks ago, we held tryouts for our upcoming season. This is anticipated to be a huge year for us with Gay Games just around the corner. We had a strong turnout this year, making choosing our new members very difficult, but we could not be happier with our selection. 
After much anticipation, Cheer New York is very thrilled to finally announce the new members of our 2013-2014 team!

Fans, please join us in congratulating eighteen fabulous new men and women to our cheer family-
Anthony M., Ashley C., Ashley Rose L., Christopher R., Destiny M., Jessica J., John G., Karen L., Kerry M., Kiran R., Lauren A., Lyndsay A., Malaea R., Milissa C., Rachel S., Theo B., Zaccary B., and Zavier C.

Thank you so much to each and every one of you that came to audition this year. If you didn't make the team this time around, please tryout again. We have a mid-season tryouts in the beginning of the year and again next summer. To the eighteen that did join us, CONGRATULATIONS! We are so happy to have you on the team... hope you're ready to WERQ!

Don't forget you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Contact us at info@cheerny.org for any further information

Cassie Is FABULOUS!

Even though Pride season isn't for another couple of months, Cheer New York is already working hard on getting our stunts perfected. As a sport, it comes with the territory that sometimes we are going to get bumped, bruised, and a little banged up. But this week's Fabulous Award winner didn't let that stop her. Even if she may have been a little nervous about trying new stunts, she never showed it. Like a true professional, she remained safe and encouraged her teammates to try again until they got it right...Just a few of the reasons why CASSIE J. won the Fabulous Award this week!!

Get to know one of our awesome Newbies! 

 

Name: Cassie J.
Member since: February 2013.
Position: Base.
Why on Cheer NY: I recently moved to New York from California and was looking for a way to meet a new group of people when I happened to see Cheer New York at Barnes & Noble wrapping gifts around Christmas time. I immediately looked up the team online and knew I just had to try out, not only because I missed the sport and wanted to meet all these amazing and talented people, but because everyone on the team works for a common goal that is completely selfless and helpful to the community. I’m so happy to be a part of this team and I already feel that I’m helping make a difference in New York even though I’ve only been on the team for a couple of months!
When did you start cheerleading: 8th grade.
What’s your favorite Cheer NY event: So far, the NYC Half Marathon. It felt so good making people smile and giving them that extra encouragement toward the end of the race.
What would people be surprised to learn about you: I’m trilingual! Quieres hablar en Español o vuoi parlare in Italiano?
What’s your favorite stunt: Baskets, they always get the crowd going.

Who is your celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling, his abs are ridiculous!

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NYC Half 2013

On Sunday, March 17th, Cheer New York layered up to cheer at an event we participate in every year, the NYC Half Marathon. The thousands of racers weren't going to let the unseasonable cold keep them from putting a "spring" in their step! Upon arriving at the designated Cheer NY Cheer Zone, teammates were shaking and chattering due to the weather, early hour and excitement for the NYC Half. 

Once the race started, a sea of faces streamed down the West Side Highway, and Cheer New York was there near mile 11 to pump the runners up for the final stretch.

photo courtesy of NYRR

For many members of the team, this race is possibly one of the most emotional. It's always fun to dance, stunt and cheer but at this race we are able to connect more with several runners who not only waved and smiled but, high fived, hugged and a few racers even got a little jiggy with us. This race is longer and more physically demanding than a 5k, but more intimate than the NYC ING Marathon.

 We rallied on the athletes for three hours and in that time we saw the spirit of those racing; beginning with wheelchair racers, followed by the top men and women, LGBT friends from the Front Runners NY team, the thousands of NYRR racers and all the way to the very last local runner.

Some runners who were out of steam seemed to come alive and picked up the pace once they saw us. It is incredibly inspiring to see runners light up and get a second (or perhaps third or fourth) wind.

When the racers laughed, smiled and even thanked us for cheering them on, all thoughts of chilly weather were gone. And it was a special treat for us to cheer on three of our own teammates, Abbey C., Katie M., and Rachael G., as they traded in their pom poms for some sneakers and took to the pavement.

It was an intoxicating feeling knowing that you helped at least one person achieve a personal goal. We did not stunt or jump this year (due to the bitter cold), which for some members is a personal favorite part of events, but it was always easy to keep a smile on our faces at the NYC Half.

Great job and a huge congrats to the thousands of finishers from this past weekend’s NYC Half Marathon. We are proud of YOU!

Congrats Peter and Randall!

In the 11 years that Cheer New York has been around, we've gotten to be a part of some pretty memorable experiences: cheering at the finish line at the nationally-televised ING NYC Marathon every year, being in a segment on the Colbert Report, performing on the main stage at Gay Games Germany...the list goes on. But nothing compares to the truly personal and heart-warming moments we get to experience when we're not even in the spotlight.

Last weekend at The Original GLBT Expo, our members were walking around spreading the word about our Cheer For Life charities (Art Start & Bronx AIDS Services) when we found out that there would be an LGBT wedding happening right in front of the Florida Keys & Key West booth. Naturally, we wanted to be there to cheer the couple on to wedded bliss!

We were beyond flattered to receive an email from Peter and Randall a few days after the Expo that read..."We were both extremely nervous before the ceremony….we live in laid back Key West, FL and aren’t used to all of the action….but your group’s wonderful performance and love certainly put us at ease."

Peter and Randall, from all of us at Cheer New York, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this monumental day in your lives. Please let us know if you are ever in the NYC area again - we would be happy to be your tour guides!

If you want to be a part of something monumental with us... come down to the Westside Highway at Christopher St. this Sunday where we will be cheering on the racers as they fight to finish the NYC Half 2013! We will be there supporting everyone and encouraging them to race to the half marathon finish as fast as they can. 

Are you on Instagram? Us too! Follow us, @CheerNewYork

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

Fabulous Brennen!

This week, leadership crowned another Newbie Cheer New Yorker the Fabulous Award winner! They noticed at this week's practice that even when thrown into a new stunt group, even if they were struggling, this member would only use that as motivation and work even harder. This newbie did such a great job communicating with his pod and never gave attitude - he was always just ready to try it again until they nailed it.......Drum roll please........Congratulations Brennen C.!!! 

Get to know Brennen!

Name: Brennen C.

Member since: February 2013.
Position: Mid-Base / Tumbler.
Why did you want to join Cheer NY? I wanted to join Cheer NY to build friendships and to use my experience in cheerleading to show support for charities while entertaining and providing knowledge to the community.

What has exceed your expectations after being on the team? How hard everyone practices and how committed we are as a team to provide the best entertainment for charity events.

Who is your celebrity crush? Adam Levine!!!

When did you start cheerleading? 9th Grade.

How long have you lived in NYC? 8 Months!

Where are you from originally? The middle of the woods in nowhere Pennsylvania.

If you're in New York City this weekend and are looking for something to do to get out of the snow, make sure you stop by The Original GLBT Expo at the Javits Center! Cheer NY will be there throughout the entire weekend dancing, stunting, flipping and collecting donations for our two charities that we're raising money for with our Cheer for Life Fund! Tickets are only $17 but all the fun (and swag) is FREE!!! 

Fabulous Newbie: Ashley!

If you haven't caught up with us lately, you may not know that Cheer New York recently had tryouts! It's always so great to see the energy and enthusiasm that our newbies come in with. Leadership really noticed Ashley S. stepping up at this week's practice. Always eager to be involved in whatever stunt is being thrown, always practicing the dances and cheers with her teammates when there's down time... It was an easy decision for the leadership to crown her this week's Fabulous Award winner! 

Get to know Ashley S!!

Ashley was born and raised here in NYC, she started cheerleading when she was 12 years old and you might be surprised to learn that she is ambidextrous! Even though she hasn't hit it yet, her favorite stunt is a kick-double...she says "one day I'll get there and master it!" Like everyone else in NYC, she's looking forward to spring so she can wear spring dresses and flip-flops.

Congratulations on winning the Cheer NY Fabulous Award Ashley!

Wondering where Cheer New York will be next? Make sure to come say hi to us at The Original GLBT Expo on March 9 & 10!

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Cheerleader 0f The Year: Wilson V.

Cheer New York is made up of adult men and women varying in ages, from all different walks of life. Each year we have approximately 30-40 Performing Members plus 15 or so Active Alumni and Auxiliary Members. Each November, the entire team gets all dressed up for our annual Cheer New York Awards Banquet. There are a handful of awards that the team gets to vote on, "Best Jumper," "Best Dancer," "Most Improved Flyer," etc. But there is one award, that is given by the Cheer NY Leadership, and it just might be Cheer New York's most coveted award..."Cheerleader of the Year!" The winner of this award embodies what Cheer NY is all about. They put their heart and soul into every practice, every event, every parade, raising money for local charities etc., etc., etc. We are fortunate enough to have many members of our team that could easily win this award, making leadership's job to pick only one person each year a bit difficult. But after careful consideration, leadership made their choice for the 2012-2013 recipient. Drum roll please.......

This year's Cheerleader of the Year is......

Wilson V!!!!

Wilson has been a vital part of this team since August 2009 and was a Co-captain for the 2011-2012 season. He is one of our strongest bases and one of our most talented tumblers.

He says that he is on Cheer New York because "It's a great way to give back to the community while doing one of my favorite activities, whether it be cheering, tumbling or dancing. I enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself with new stunts. But most of all, I've had the honor to meet some of the most incredible people in New York City."

Wilson makes time for Cheer NY after long days at the office as the Senior Account Service Representative for Turner Broadcasting. In his free time, he enjoys going to gymnastics classes, diving at Columbia University, coaching adults and kids in gymnastics, watching movies, and dinning out with friends and loved ones. The one meal that he just cannot get enough of is pasta, pasta, and more pasta!

What inspires Wilson? "My biggest inspiration has been my dad. He came from Cuba at the young age of 19 and was able to start a business, buy property, raise a family and become an American Citizen. He's inspired me to work as hard as I can in just about everything I do. It has affected my gymnastics, my education and my career in so many positive ways."

Giving back to the community, and raising money for charity is so much a part of this team, and a part of Wilson. "I really like how Cheer NY focuses on giving back to local organizations. How these organizations are small yet have a big impact in the community. Also, being that they are small organizations, we don't have to raise $100,000 for it to benefit the organization...every little bit counts, if it's 2k or 20k. These organizations do a lot for our community and I like to know that we can do a lot for them with the money we raise for them through our Cheer For Life fund."

Congratulations Wilson V!!! Thank you for your commitment and everything you do for Cheer New York.

Make sure you say hi to him at our next event, and congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award!

Congrats 2013 Newbies!

Cheer New York is very lucky in that we live in the greatest city in the U.S. (in our humble opinion). We have such a huge pool of talent show up at our auditions each year, it's hard for us to make cuts. That being said... Congratulations to the lucky 16 who recently went through our mid-season auditions and made the team!

Thank you to each and every person who auditioned.... we sincerely wish we could take every one of you. Please, re-audition for us again this summer for our 2013-2014 season!

Congrats again, and welcome to the Cheer NY family: Ashley S., Brennen C., Caitlin O., Cassie J., Dustin B., Justin K., Kendrew D., Lyndsey A., Mikaela D., Omer C., Sloan L., Zavier C., retuning member Jovani P., and our new auxiliary members, Cleopatra A., Jeremy K., and Austin N!
 

Now let's get ready for Pride season!!!

  Please join us in welcoming the newest members to the team!
Cheer NY would love to see you at 
Boxers Sports Bar in Hell's Kitchen
(50th St. & 9th Ave.) this Sunday, February 17 @ 6pm-9pm
for our semi-annual "Newbie Night!" 
Always a fun time, we hope to see you there!

NYRR's Gridiron Classic

On Sunday February 3, 2013 Cheer New York joined the New York Road Runners, Front Runners and other running enthusiasts  for the 22nd annual NYRR Gridiron Classic 4 mile race and Longest Football Throw Competition. 

 Photo courtesy of: NYRR

 It had snowed the night before so Cheer NY knew they had to bring the energy to help pep up the crowd of over 5,500 runners that ran the 4 mile race (including Cheer NY's Abbey C!).
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Photo courtesy of: NYRR

The annual Super Bowl Sunday race starts with a longest football throw competition, which had a little extra excitement this year when a poodle rushed the field. The game day fun continued with many participants sporting their favorite teams jerseys and a midway poll allowing runners to predict the games outcome that night.
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Turns out the runners guessed wrong as the Baltimore Ravens were victorious that evening, but Cheer New York still had a blast cheering each and every runner on to their own personal victory that morning. Great job to all that participated! We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Guess what???
Cheer New York tryouts are STILL going on! 
You've got one last chance to make it to cheer clinic 
this Sunday (Feb. 10).
You must visit our website www.cheerny.org 
and contact us to REGISTER and get exact details. 

Good luck Recruits!!!

Fabulous VAL!!

This week's Fabulous Award winner comes to Cheer New York all the way from Russia!

Valerie D. joined Cheer NY this past August because she saw it as a great opportunity to combine her love for cheerleading with helping the community. Val is one of our most flexibly flyers, with her favorite stunt to perform being a scorpion twist. One of the reasons leadership crowned Val this week's winner is because while she may often come across as timid and shy, she really goes out of her way to get to get to know each of her teammates personally.

Having only been in New York City for about a year and a half, Val says that through Cheer NY "I've gained an amazing family, I love my cheerios!"

Well, we love you too Valerie D! Congratulations on winning the Fabulous Award - keep up the good work!!

If you think you've got what it takes to be a fabulous member of Cheer New York, show us what you got! Mid-Season Tryouts start this Wednesday for the remainder of our 2013 season and we'd love to meet you.

 Please visit www.cheerny.org to REGISTER & get more details.



Chris W, You ARE Fabulous!

Cheer New York had another grueling practice last week, learning new parts to our Pride routine...Some of the members of our team are born dancers; learning new material doesn't present much of a challenge for them. But for the rest of our team, well...it can take a little bit more effort. It's such a great feeling to watch as each person learns and really pushes themselves to master each new eight-count. This past week in particular, Chris W. really pushed himself to his limits to make sure that he knew each count perfectly. Chris came to Cheer NY after cheering at West Virginia University for five years, in search of something to do in and around the city with hopes to make new friends.

"I was very happy to get the Fabulous Award this week because I have been working very hard to do my best. I am glad my hard work was noticed!" - Chris W.

Congratulations Chris! Thank you for always giving Cheer NY your all!

Wish you could be our next Fabulous Award winner?! Become a member of Cheer New York!!! We have auditions coming up. The first clinic is Wednesday February 6 with a make-up clinic on Sunday February 10. Final night of auditions is Wednesday February 13.

Please visit our website www.cheerny.org to get further details and contact info.

New Year, New Uniforms...Fabulous!

Cheer New York is back from our winter break. Our 2013 cheer season has started off with a big bang! Our new uniforms finally arrived, and everyone looks so great in them - we cannot wait to show them off at our upcoming events!

We're only two practices in, but we are already getting started, working hard on our routine for Pride month. If you plan to be in the NYC or Philly area this summer, make sure you find us at your favorite Pride parade.

All of our team members work so hard and dedicate so much time, effort, and energy each week. But this week, Ronz R. really put in the extra effort it takes to receive the coveted Fabulous Award! (Given to an exceptional team member each practice by the team's Coaches). Ronz has really come back from the break giving nothing less than 100%. His attitude and determination to get the job done is so encouraging and inspiring to the rest of the team. Thank you so much for all that you do for Cheer NY Ronz, congrats!

Cheer New York Mid-Season Tryouts are just around the corner, with our first cheer clinic on Wednesday February 6th. To REGISTER and get more information, please visit our website www.cheerny.org 
 

Cameo, You're Fabulous!

Hello to all of our loyal Cheer New York blog followers. We apologize it’s been a little quiet around here. First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out to us in the midst of hurricane Sandy. Your strength and support means so much to us. Rest assured, no one from Cheer NY was seriously harmed or injured. Thank goodness!

Because of all of this crazy weather, Cheer NY had their last practice for the fall 2012 season on Oct. 24. The winner of the last fabulous award went to a veteran who has really come back to prove herself this season. Please give a huge congratulations to Cameo S. for really stepping up her game lately. Leadership chose Cameo as this weeks fabulous award recipient because athletically, she has really improved. But more importantly, she has improved her commitment to this team and always serves up a good dose of healthy competition at every practice or event.

"Super excited about getting the fabulous award. I wish I had some glitter to throw!" - Cameo S.

We wish we had some for you too! You deserve it!

Please come out to see your favorite Cheer New York members this holiday season, we will be wrapping gifts at the Union Square Barnes & Noble December 6-24! Don't forget that all of your generous donations go to charity!

Who's Fabulous? Mark C!!

Cheer New York was at it again last Wednesday for another grueling practice. At the end of each practice, our leadership gets together and decides who should win that night's fabulous award. Some nights, it's a no-brainer and other nights, each of the teammates have worked equally as hard so it might be a bit tougher for them to decide. It's especially difficult when you have a teammate who is consistently fabulous, they can almost fly under the radar. That is exactly why Mark C. won last week. Since joining the team at the end of the summer, Mark has showed up to every practice and almost every event. He has helped a ton behind the scenes and always gives 110%. 

"I am so honored to be part of Cheer NY and to be recognized as fabulous. Thank you team for allowing me to be part of something greater than myself!" - Mark C.

Thank YOU Mark, for being so fabulous!
Cheer New York is taking a break from practice next Wednesday to go trick-or-treating! But keep checking in with our blog, we've got some great posts coming up from our most recent events!

Congrats to our new Co-Captains!

At the end of every Cheer New York season, the time comes when our current co-captains have to step down, and pass the torch onto a new set of co-captains. This year, we were sad to say goodbye to Nicole Z., Brian W., and Wilson V. as our 2011-2012 leaders, but it gives us great pleasure present to you our new 2012-2013 co-captains, Deanna G., Dennis N., and Latoya L.! (a.k.a. Ladeedee)


"Running for captain was such a fufillling experience, not was I only being given the chance to be apart or this amazing team but was given a chance to be a leader for all members." - Deanna 

Back at the end of June, the team took to the polls and voted on the candidates they felt best suited for the position.
"Trying out for captain was a fun, intense, roller coaster ride. Through it all I hoped that the team would vote me captain based on my qualifications and dedication to representing them in the best way I know how. And guess what? They did!! I look forward to living up to my fellow team mates expectations for 2012-2013, it's gonna be an awesome year!!" - Latoya

Latoya, showing just how excited she was to win co-captin...

These three are full of character and zest! 

"The 2012-2013 season has been awesome for me as a co-captain.  I really enjoyed the try-out clinics and getting a chance to meet the newbies and bring them up to speed.  I think Deanna, Latoya, and I are a great team and created a fun, helpful, energetic atmosphere to make the new recruits feel welcomed and excited to join such an awesome squad." - Dennis

A very belated congratulations you three. It is a role very well deserved. You all are doing such a great job so far, keep up the superb work!
If you are in Manhattan this weekend, please come see us tomorrow at Riverside Park for the NYC Walk 4 Hearing where Cheer NY will be cheering on all of the walkers! 

Luis L, You Are Fabulous!

Last week's Fabulous Award recipient was none other than Luis L! 

Luis started this season better and stronger than ever. He has really stepped-it-up athletically and behind-the-scences and proven why he is such a vital part of Cheer NY. This award could not have come at a better time for him either as he received it on the eve of his birthday! 

"Winning the fabulous award is something that I feel proud of that my coaches and teammates see how I am growing as a cheerleader and I am proud to be a member of Cheer New York" - Luis L.

Congrats and Happy *Belated* Birthday Luis! Keep up the fabulousness!!

Ashlee, You Are FABULOUS!

Last night, Cheer New York kicked off their 11th year with the first practice of the season.
Bases were flexing and flyers were flying.... watch out New York, Cheer NY is coming back bigger and better than ever!
One of our wonderful flyers, Ashlee S. really took things to new heights last night and showed her teammates and coaches her true love for cheerleading and this team thus earning her the coveted weekly Fabulous award!
Ashlee says, "I am so happy and lucky to be a part of Cheer New York and love what we do for the community. I LOVE CHEER NEW YORK!"

And we love you too Ashlee! Congrats again on being the very first Fabulous Award winner of the 2012 - 2013 season!

And the Spirit Stick goes to... EMBER!

February is the month for love, and who better to give the Spirit Stick award to than one of the Cheerleaders we love very much? Ember D. won the Spirit Stick back in February and with her love of cheerleading and the team, she very much deserves this award. Ember has been a member of the team for two years and is one of the best flier's in the whole state of New York and we couldn't be more proud to have her on the team. She attends almost every event and is never afraid to try new stunts and is able to get them down instantly, even when she is being flung upside down or sideways.

Ember is very passionate about cheerleading and Cheer New York and says that she loves getting to tell her friends and family about Cheer New York, what we do and about the charities we sponsor. 

She even made the Spirit Stick a new bag! 

We love Ember's enthusiasm for the team and the talent she brings to the squad, which is exactly why she won the Spirit Stick award!

Congrats Newbies!

YOU MADE IT!!

Cheer New York would like to give a warm welcome to the newest members of our organization!

Performing Members:

Bryan H., Devin I., Dominic A., Edgar "Star" G.,

Geoff W., Jeff "J.T." K., Jessica S., Juan "J.C." T.,

Paige C., Ronz R., Trishia T., & Will D.

Auxiliary Members:

Jose P. & Nando A.

You are all so wonderful and talented!! We are so happy to have you as part of the Cheer New York family! Congrats again for making the team, we hope you love it as much as the rest of us; now, you better WORK!!

Here are some of our Newbies having a great time at their team welcome party on Friday, Feb 3rd, 2012 at Barracuda Bar in Chelsea, NY.