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!