All of the 55 members of the Silver Spirit All-Star Cheer Club placed in the JAMZ National Cheer & Dance competition in Las Vegas on March 29-30 with the youth squad placing first.
Cheer squads came from around the country to compete in the JAMZ contest. The 19-member Silver Spirit youth squad was first out of 11 teams. They won embroidered jackets, individual medals, a trophy and a banner to hang in the club.
"They've been wearing those jackets to school and haven't taken them off," said Paige Young, co-owner of Silver Spirit along with Liz Biasotti. "It's like they were in the Olympics."
The minis, 6-8 years old, took third place out of 18 squads, and the senior girls, 13 years and older, won fourth place.
"Everybody worked so hard this year. A big thanks goes to the girls and all their hard work this season. Thanks also to the parents because this is such a big commitment," Young said.
Next year's JAMZ National competition will be at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
The cheer club will appear in the parade and perform in Lampe Park during Carson Valley Days in June.
Sign-ups are being accepted for the new season. The dance and cheer club promotes physical activity, teamwork and good sportsmanship. No try-outs are necessary as there is a position and squad for everyone.
Silver Spirit All-Star Cheer holds year-round classes in the competitive team sports of cheer, dance and tumbling. Some of the classes are offered through Douglas County Parks & Recreation.
Silver Spirit is at 2236 C Park Place, Minden. Information, 782-4337.
