Memphis, Tenn. – The International Cheer Union (ICU), the international governing body for cheerleading, celebrated 20 years in April with their annual Junior World and World Cheerleading Championships. The globally recognized event was held on April 24-26, 2024 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Florida, USA.

The annual competition has become the pinnacle of cheerleading worldwide as the sport is now recognized and practiced in 1220 countries. For this year’s landmark event, more than 70 countries were on site for the celebration. The wall to wall live coverage can be found on the Olympic Channel beginning with the Opening Ceremonies and the emotional Parade of Nations that took place on Wednesday April 24th; ending with the final round of competition streamed on Friday April 26th. The majority of the festivities took place in the Advent Health Arena, the first ever building in the world constructed exclusively for cheerleading events.

The Premier CO-ED and ALL GIRL divisions, traditionally the most competitive and popular, headlined the 3-day event. USA swept these divisions in 2023 and they are back to defend their titles but stiff competition awaits. In the recent past, medalists in these divisions include Finland, Norway, Chinese Taipei and Germany to name a few. With the skyrocketing interest in cheer across all continents, this list is only expected to grow.

The ICU, based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA was established to positively advance cheerleading throughout the world. Comprised of 120 National Cheer Federations and over 10 million athletes on every continent around the globe, the ICU is the world governing body that administers World Championships, World Cups, Continental and Regional Championships, as well as regulates the sport by providing guidance in education, safety programs and training for all athletes, coaches and officials.

Originally founded in 2004, the International Cheer Union (ICU) began its journey to be recognized as a global sport in 2010 when it first applied to the International Olympic Committee. Provisional recognition was first granted in 2016 and then on July 20, 2021, the ICU received full recognition granting the ICU eligibility for potential inclusion in the Olympic Games and all other Olympic ‘multi-sport’ Games moving forward. The IOC recognition was instrumental in clarifying the sport; leading to greater support and extended funding around the world.