Djeneba Dosso
LJI Reporter
On April 12 and 13, Elite Cheer Outaouais won its first national title, taking first place in the
U12 Level 2 category. After bringing home the trophy from the Canadian All-Stars Nationals in
Niagara Falls, the largest cheerleading competition in Canada, the Gatineau team is gearing up
for the next season. Starting the week of May 6 through Friday, May 10, tryouts will be held for
levels one to four and the Worlds.
Open to all, the tryouts lead to pre-competitive and competitive programs. They are divided into
two sections: regular, which cost $5, and Worlds, for a fee of $20. Once built, teams will vary,
with some including tumbling and others focusing on dance floorwork. A recreational program
that only requires registration is available for those between the ages of three and 12. However,
no matter the program, experience is not required.
Because all athletes are guaranteed a spot (with the exception of the Worlds), “the tryout is a
ranking process that allows our qualified and experienced coaches to determine which team best
suits the skills and needs of each athlete,” reads the Elite Cheer online tryout registration page.
During the assessment, participants can expect to perform stunts as well as showcase dancing
and gymnastics skills.
Additionally, for the 2024-25 season, Elite Cheer Outaouais will lead a pilot team.
“This non-profit organization, which serves the Outaouais region, aims to offer a U18 level 4 for
its 2024-2025 season, a level not currently offered by other clubs in the Ottawa-Gatineau
region,” the cheerleading team announced in a press release on April 19.
Just days before, their Prodigy team, made up of athletes aged 9 to 12, won their first national
title with two “hit zero” performances for which no deductions were applied, a sign of perfect
execution of their routine.
Prodigy’s coaches, Rose Bernier, Sophie Houle and Kariane Thibault watched their team exceed
their expectations.
“To witness the success of our athletes, to see them shine with such passion and take first place
among twelve teams is a source of immense inspiration and satisfaction for us. Our pride is
immeasurable.”
For more information or to participate in the tryouts, please email info@elitecheeroutaouais.org
or visit their website: https://www.elitecheerout/
Photo #1: Elite Cheer Outaouais’ Prodigy team, made up of athletes aged 9 to 12, won the club’s
first national title on April 12 and 13. The dynamic team won against twelve other groups at the
Canadian All-Stars Nationals in Niagara Falls, the largest cheerleading competition in Canada.
(DD) Photo: Courtesy of Elite Cheer Outaouais.