International Cheer Union - News

ICU Becomes the 109th Member of SportAccord

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Following the positive vote by the General Assembly on 31 May 2013 in Saint Petersburg, the International Cheer Union (ICU) became the 109_^th Member of SportAccord. The ICU is recognized as the world governing body of Cheer and the authority on all matters related to this sport.

Complete story | New Membership Notification

2013 SportAccord Convention

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The ICU is at the 2013 SportAccord Convention in Saint-Petersburg, Russia 27-31 May 2013.

ICU’s informational flyers below:
Page 1: History of Cheer
Page 2: What is the International Cheer Union

ICU Is A New Member of TAFISA

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0700

International Cheer Union is now a Member of TAFISA

2012 SportAccord Update

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:00:00 -0700

SPORTACCORD COUNCIL GIVES INTERNATIONAL CHEER UNION POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION
ORLANDO, Fla. (30 November 2011) —

On 24 November 2011, the International Cheer Union received a positive recommendation by the SportAccord Council. The recommendation is an important further step toward full membership rights in SportAccord, which will be voted on by the General Assembly at SportAccord’s annual convention in May.
“We appreciate this action by SportAccord and believe it will only add to the international
development of our sport, which is already expanding dramatically around the world,” said Karl
Olson, ICU’s Secretary General. “We look forward to working with SportAccord over the next
few weeks to finalize the membership process.”

The ICU is the global governing organization for Cheer and its membership includes 100
national cheer federations from 100 different countries. It has highly developed educational
training programs for athletes, coaches and officials and has been instrumental in creating
standardized rules for the sport, as well as safety programs and regulations.
The ICU also conducts a large World Championship each year, with last year’s event topping
3,000 National Team athletes from 60 different countries. Over 10,000 spectators watched the
event which was held in Orlando, Florida. The 2012 World Championship is set to be even
larger, according to Olson.

INTERNATIONAL CHEER UNION..pdf

About the ICU
The International Cheer Union (ICU) was formed as the non-profit international governing entity
whose mission is to advance cheerleading on a global scale. With over 100 member nations, the
ICU represents all geographical areas where cheerleading exists. The ICU promotes healthy
competition, rule development and education for athletes, coaches, and parents so that the
sport can progress in a safe and organized way. The ICU has formally applied for recognition by
the International Olympic Committee (IOC). More information can be found on
www.cheerunion.org.
Photography is available upon request. Contact Sheila Noone at
icumediarequest@gmail.com for more information.

Trilateral Agreement Signed by FIG, ICU and SportAccord

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 10, 2012:

The agreement finalizing the terms and conditions under which the FIG supports the principle for the admission of the International Cheer Union (ICU) into SportAccord has now been signed by all of the three parties involved: SportAccord, the ICU and the FIG.

The final signature was added at FIG headquarters on August 29, in the presence of ICU President Jeff Webb and ICU General Secretary Karl Olson, along with their FIG counterparts Prof. Bruno Grandi and André F. Gueisbuhler.

Commenting on the agreement, SportAccord’s President, Hein Verbruggen hailed what he described as “a positive outcome, and one which all of the parties are happy with.” He went on to state that, “The ICU’s membership application will be on the agenda of the next SportAccord General Assembly and there is no doubt that the presence of the ICU within SportAccord would strengthen and increase the scope of its offering to both the public and the media.”

Speaking on behalf of the ICU, Jeff Webb added: “Our Union is very proud to have taken this positive step forward and we would like to thank our partners and co-signatories of this agreement. SportAccord membership would open up new horizons for the ICU in terms of its development and its profile on the international stage. It is also important for our 103 national federations members, As well as over three million cheer athletes worldwide.”

FIG President, Prof. Bruno Grandi also welcomed the agreement, noting that it “sets out clearly and in a way that satisfies all of the parties involved, those specific activities for which the FIG and the ICU will each assume direct responsibility.”

Article and Photo Source: Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique

2012 SportAccord General Assembly FIG ICU statement

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700

SportAccord Council Gives ICU 2013 Positive Recommendation

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0700

View the Recommendation Letter from the SportAccord to the ICU President.

You can learn more about the SportAccord here

2011 World Cheerleading Championships

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:00:00 -0700

22 December 2010

Dear World Organizations:

Enclosed please find the information packet for the 2011 International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships (for National Teams) to be held Thursday-Friday 28-29 April at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida USA.

http://www.cheerunion.org/aspnet_client/FreeTextBox/upload/documents/2011%20ICU%20Travel%20Packet.pdf

Over 70 nations from all continents around the world have indicated their intention to participate in this year's World Championship; we anticipate nearly 180 National Team performances during the National Team World Championship event!

The ICU World Championship will, of course, include the ICU Opening Ceremony for the participating 70+ Nations, the ICU Partner Stunt World Championship, ICU VIP Reception/Athlete Cultural Exchange on Thursday 28 April, as well as the ICU Team World Championship on Friday 29 April 2011 concluding with medal presentation and the ICU World Championship closing ceremony.

Once again, immediately following the ICU World Championship, the IASF Club World Cheerleading Championship begins (for world club and school teams) and operates Saturday & Sunday on 30 April - 1 May 2011 also at the Walt Disney World Resort. For the IASF Club World Championship, we again anticipate over 17,000 athletes, 600 of the world's top club/school teams, and over 70 nations participating in the world's largest international cheerleading weekend.

More details to follow; however, enclosed is the information packet for the 2011 International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships as a reference. Please email with any questions, and we'll send more detailed information over the coming weeks.

Thank you again for your support of the ICU and the IASF!

With kindest regards,

Karl Olson

Secretary General

International Cheer Union

IOC Application Announcement

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:00:00 -0700

28 December 2010

Dear ICU National Federations:

Seasons greetings and best wishes for the upcoming New Year! As we look forward to 2011, we are pleased to announce another great milestone for the ICU!

With the overwhelming global support and progress of the ICU, we are pleased to announce that the International Cheer Union ("ICU") has successfully submitted the ICU Application Request for Recognition to The International Olympic Committee; adhering to IOC's December 2010 deadline for their review.

As many of you know,the ICU continues tobe gratified by the overwhelming response from around the world in promotion of our Sport, and we very much thank ALL National Federation Members for the providing required support documents from each of your countries. As the ICU continues to work with all International Sport Authorities, and as new members also continue to join the ICU from around the world; please note that the ICU will be in contact with each National Federation if any additional information is required.

In the meantime, we look forward to providing updates on the ICU Application Request for IOC Recognition as the information becomes available to us, and we also congratulate all ICU National Federations for your progress in the promotion of our sport around the world! If you have any questions regarding the IOC or need any additional assistance at anytime, please contact us at your convenience.

Thank you once again for all you do for the youth in your countries, and thank you for your support of the ICU.

Yours in Sport,

Jeff Webb

President

International Cheer Union

2011 ECU European Championships Location Announcement

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:00:00 -0700

7 November 2010

Dear ICU National Federations:

On behalf of the ICU's 40 European National Federations and ICU's 95 National Federations around the World, the ICU is pleased to announce the 2011 ECU European Cheerleading Championships to be held the first weekend of July 2011 to the BEAUTIFUL host city.... Prague, Czech Republic!!

More information will be posted by the ECU organizational committee in the coming days; however, upcoming details will be announced and posted on any of the following websites:

ECU Website & ECU on Facebook

http://www.europeancheerunion.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/European-Cheer-Union/156166554412149?ref=ts

ICU Website Under "Championships" & ICU on Facebook

http://cheerunion.org/Content.aspx/Championships/icu_continental_champ

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=596430739#!/pages/International-Cheer-Union/123609298562

Once again, congratulations to all of those working for the advancement of cheerleading in Europe and around the world! Best regards for a wonderful and exciting 2011 ECU European Championship coming to the city of Prague, Czech Republic this summer!!!

Kindest regards,

Karl Olson

Secretary General

International Cheer Union

European Cheer Union information

E-mail: info@europeancheerunion.com

Webpage: http://www.europeancheerunion.com

2011 SportAccord Application Update

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:00:00 -0700

25 October 2010

Dear ICU National Federations:

With the overwhelming global support and progress of the ICU, we are pleased to announce that the International Cheer Union ("ICU") has successfully submitted the ICU's 2011 SportAccord Formal Application for Membership of Cheer; adhering to SportAccord's 10 October 2010 deadline for their review.

As many of you know, the ICU has well surpassed the number of SportAccord federation membership documents required by SportAccord; and we very much thank ALL National Federation Members for the past overwhelming response in providing required support documents from each of your countries. As the ICU continues to work with all International Sport Authorities, and as new members also continue to join the ICU from around the world; please note that the ICU will be in contact with each National Federation if any additional information is required In the meantime, we look forward to providing updates on our 2011 Sportaccord International Cheer Union application as the information becomes available to us, and we also congratulate all ICU National Federations for your progress in the promotion of our sport around the world!

If you have any questions regarding SportAccord or need any additional assistance at anytime, please contact us at your convenience. Thank you once again for all you do for the youth in your countries, and thank you for your support of the ICU.

Yours in Sport,

Karl Olson

Secretary General, International Cheer Union

European Cheer Union Announcement

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:00:00 -0700

25 October 2010

Dear ICU National Federations:

The International Cheer Union ("ICU") continues to be overwhelmed by the outstanding developments around to world in providing top quality cheerleading education, and exceptional event opportunities structured to be inclusive for the great athletes and coaches in our great sport. Additionally, we are quite proud of the leadership by the many individuals committed and dedicated to the development of cheerleading, as many are also former cheerleaders themselves and/or promote a great compassion for the progress of the athletes who participate.

After years of discussion amongst the International Cheer Union's 40 European National Federations, we are very pleased to announce that the European Continental Federation, the European Cheer Union ("ECU") was recently founded in Paris, France this past 16th September 2010! Its mission is to fully include ALL cheerleading athletes and coaches in coordination with ALL National Federations in Europe with enhanced educational/performance opportunities while also providing great unified continental support for European Cheerleading development. With 40 European National federations already involved in the ICU, we are very excited for the future of the ECU and the future of cheerleading in Europe.

For further details on the European Cheer Union, enclosed please find the following to review:

1. The European Cheer Union Press Release:

http://www.europeancheerunion.com/images/stories/inhalt/ecu_press_release.pdf

2. The ECU Presentation conducted to over 21 European National Federations:

http://www.europeancheerunion.com/images/stories/inhalt/ecu_paris_meeting_presentation.pdf

3. The ECU website address

http://www.europeancheerunion.com

More details will be released in following days; however, we once again congratulate all of those who have worked many years for the development of cheerleading in Europe, and very much look forward to continued unified success of cheerleading on the European continent. For any addition questions regarding the ECU, please fell free to contact the ECU organizing committee via email at:info@europeancheerunion.com

Thank you once again for all you do for the youth in your countries, and thank you for your support of the ICU!

Yours in Sport,

Karl Olson

Secretary General

International Cheer Union

International Cheer Union Introduces Cheer to SportAccord

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:00:00 -0700

Members of the International Cheer Union's Governing Council successfully introduced the sport of Cheer to executives from over 100 international sports federations and organizations at the annual SportAccord International Convention in Dubai on April 27 – 30, 2010.

"We view our meeting as extremely successful, as we were able to explain and demonstrate to the rest of the sports world what modern Cheer really is," said Jeff Webb, President of the ICU. "We accomplished this not only through a thorough and detailed formal presentation, but also through many personal meetings with fellow International Federation presidents and executives. The feedback we got was overwhelmingly positive."

In addition to a powerful video presentation, ICU representatives met with SportAccord staff during the four day meeting to review the ICU's statues. "While SportAccord praised the progress we have made in properly structuring our bylaws, they have asked us to consider a few improvements, which we believe can be quickly and easily accomplished," Webb said. "We intend to have the adjustments made within the next 60 days, and then we will submit them to our general membership for what we fully believe will be an expeditious approval."

At the meeting, the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) also asked for an opportunity to review and better understand the ICU's structure, to be certain no conflicts exist with Gymnastics. "We sincerely admire and respect Gymnastics and the FIG leadership," said Karl Olson, Secretary General of the ICU. "We believe that a thorough examination of our two sports will show that even though we share certain elements, Cheer and Gymnastics are indeed quite different."

The ICU has committed to continue its SportAccord application process and is expected to pursue a formal vote at the next annual meeting, scheduled for April 3 – 8, 2011 in London.

Liv Uggerhoj, head of the Danish Cheerleading Association and a representative of the ICU General Council, expressed optimism with the ongoing process. "We made the decision in Dubai that it was important to properly finalize our statutes, as SportAccord requested, and to constructively work to demonstrate that Cheer is indeed its own independent sport. As such, we requested that any vote on our membership be made next year in London, rather than in Dubai. Our request was accepted by SportAccord," she said.

The International Cheer Union is the international governing body for Cheer. The ICU represents the global Cheer community of 3.5 million athlete participants. There are currently 87 countries that are members of the ICU and who have their own national federations established.

The ICU's World Championships were recently held in Orlando, Florida with 60 countries participating. You can find more information concerning the 2010 World Championship by clicking here.

World Championship and SportAccord Update

Mon, 03 May 2010 22:00:00 -0700

I would first like to thank you for your active participation in our 2010 Annual Council Meeting and ICU World Championships. Despite challenges presented mainly by the volcano in Iceland, the meeting and the competition were hugely successful, and we are already looking forward to even greater things next year.

The ICU has had remarkable success in building its membership and addressing its primary goals, which are to assist and support the global development of Cheer, and to be an effective voice in representing the athletes, coaches and officials who make up our sport.

As a National Federation member of the ICU, we want to assure you that we will continue to be available to assist you as you develop our sport in your country. For the overall good of our sport, it is also imperative that we stand together as we continue the development of Cheer globally. This means that each country must not only be supportive of our international organization, but must also aggressively take steps to properly represent our sport within their own respective countries.

If it has not already done so, each National Federation must promptly and actively establish a true, legal non-profit federation that is properly registered in its respective country, including pursuing the necessary steps to be recognized by the sports commission designated by the government. This means also taking the necessary steps to be inclusive in your federation by involving all groups who are active in Cheer within your country. Our ICU office, as well as your continental regional council member, stands ready to assist you in any possible way. However, it is indeed up to each National Federation to take the initiative in this particular area.

Next, I would like to report on our annual meeting of SportAccord, which we attended last week. ICU Secretary General Karl Olson and I were assisted at the meeting by Alfredo LaMont (ICU International Consultant), Liv Uggerhoej of Denmark (Athletic Representative for the ICU General Council) and Shing Fang of China (ICU General Council Member for North Asia).

During the meeting we met with SportAccord representatives to review our newly approved statutes. They were extremely complimentary of our progress in this regard, but have also requested several minor changes going forward. We will address these requests and prepare recommendations to present to the General Assembly as soon as is practically possible.

Because this was our first time to participate in SportAccord, our membership was questioned by DanceSport (whose primary discipline is Ballroom Dancing), which we feel strongly should have no role in Cheer. However, at the meeting FIG (Gymnastics) also asked for time to meet with us and review how we can more clearly establish differences between our two sports. We have agreed to actively and in good faith work with them to achieve that in the coming months.

In light of these developments, we felt (and were advised by our friends within SportAccord) that we should request a one year delay in actually submitting our request to SportAccord for a vote to become a member. This additional year will allow us the proper time to make the necessary minor changes to our bylaws and to constructively work with Gymnastics to settle any differences that might exist.

We did have the opportunity to make a presentation to the full membership of the 100+ International Federation members of SportAccord. Our presentation, which included facts about the ICU, a full description of how our sport operates, and a three minute highlight video of our World Championships, was extremely well received and served as an exciting introduction of Cheer to various sports organizations from around the world. We believe our participation at the meeting has created excellent understanding and support of the ICU, which will be extremely valuable as we move forward.

As we discussed in Orlando, I want to emphasize that the most important thing we can do for our sport is to remain strongly united and resolute in our commitment to move forward together. We now represent 87 different countries and 3.5 million athletes. If we remain united, and if we continue to work tirelessly toward our objectives, the future for our sport, our organization and each of our member Federations is extremely bright.

Thank you again for your support and I wish you the very best as you continue to build Cheer in your country.

Jeff Webb, President
International Cheer Union

Be on the ICU Judging Committee or Judging Panel

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:00:00 -0700

Are you interested in being on the ICU Judging Committee or Judging Panel? The International Cheer Union is currently gathering judging CV’s and resumes for those interested in being a part of the committee and panel for 2010!

Even if previously submitted, the ICU would very much appreciate updated resumes and CVs to have the most up to date judging experience and criteria available. The aim is to gather those of the highest level of experience and training to assure the highest quality of judging. However, this is only a starting point.
Additionally, the objective is to share this expertise through the ICU judges program to provide support in developing incredible judges (and coaches) in every nation.

If you are interested or know of qualified individuals interested in participating on ICU Judges Committees or ICU Judges Panels, Please send your CHEERLEADING and/or CHEER DANCE C.V. or resume to: info@cheerunion.org(please indicate Cheerleading and/or Cheerdance on the email). The deadline is January 20, 2010, so update and send soon!

Obviously, only the most qualified judges will be selected for the ICU World Championship with a focus on International judging experience. However, in the long term we will be looking for continent representatives to help in education and development, so all CVs and Resumes will be welcomed.

Important letter from the ICU about GAISF / Sportaccord Update

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:00:00 -0700

Dear World Organizations:

Thank you for the overwhelming response on countries submitting their letters for the GAISF (now called "Sportaccord") application in recognition of the International Cheer Union.

ICU documents have been submitted to Sportaccord /GAISF prior to the 26 July deadline, and the ICU is moving forward with the process. Additionally, we are in contact with Sportaccord/GAISF President Mr. Hein Verbruggen as well Sportaccord/GAISF Director of International Federations Mrs. Nolvenn Dufay de Lavallaz regarding the favorable position of ICU and recognition of "cheer" as a sport in the Sportaccord/GAISF organization.

As we move ahead in the process, please note below are some additional items that we have to present to the Sportaccord organization in Lausanne, Switzerland. We would appreciate it very much if you can complete the following questionnaire (below) and return it by 25 August 2009 (email, or fax number +1.901.387.4358). Additionally, we understand that all countries are in various states of development of cheer; so, please answer the below questions as best you can. Do not worry if some of the questions do not apply to your organization based on the new status of "cheer" in your country. Please answer the best you can, and return on the 25 August 2009 deadline.

PLEASE NOTE: If you haven't submitted your 2 letters (a. recognition of your organization within your country, b. your organization's support of ICU as the sole international governing body for the sport of "cheer"), we will continue to accept these letters as follow up documents are submitted to Sportaccord/GAISF.

QUESTIONNAIRE

For items 1., 2., 3. only include the name of the event, date, and place where it was held.

1. List (as many as possible) the national Cheer events you have organized in the past 5 years.

2. List (as many as possible) the international “Cheer” events your athletes have competed in the last 5 years.

3. List (as many as possible) the “Cheer” congresses and meetings you have attended in the last 5 years.

4. Please confirm your organization is not-for- profit or other similar status within your country.

5. Please confirm you are the sole or major national organization for “Cheer” in your country.

6. Please confirm or show that a sports authority has granted you recognition as the governing organization for "Cheer" in your country.

7. Any letter of support that can confirm your position in your country will be greatly appreciated.

Questionnaire.pdf

We thank you for your assistance in this matter; again, please do not worry if some of the questions do not apply to your organization based on the new status of "cheer" in your country. We appreciate your efforts to answer the questionnaire the best you can, and return it by the 25 August 2009 deadline.

Thank you again, and please contact us with any questions!

Kind regards,
Karl Olson, ICU

ICU Reaches 103 Countries

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:00:00 -0700

ICU reaches 103 countries!

A warm ICU welcome, to: Mongolia and The Republic of Namibia!

We thank everyone for the continued support of the International Cheer Union as well as your efforts to benefit your nation's & the world's cheerleading athletes.

On behalf of the 103 member national federations of ICU, we look forward to working together to further advance cheerleading around the world, and in every nation.

Thank you again for your support of the ICU!

ICU Reaches 100 Member Nations.pdf