Cheer 2009

It never occurred to me that I'll go for an event like this. It wasn't like I had to, not when school rules dominate the co-curriculum. Well then, I thought, first times are often exciting and enthusing, so why not give it a try? After all, we do have a reason to be there.

Supposedly, for the first time in the competition, BRATs have to do live broadcasts on the event as it is going on. That meant blog posts, articles, videos and Twittering.

Twittering isn't something my fingers can tolerate, not every minute of the day. Still, we managed to update as much as possible for each performance, slightly challenging upon not repeating descriptions. To me, it still is a language birds communicate in.

Never mind about that. With our shirt and tag, we were graciously allowed to run about. We had the backstage, our little booth and the tiny room we were obliged to work, which explains the alternating dashes to and from the arena. Where once only cheerleaders may gain a brilliant vantage point and snap close-up photos now had us happily clicking away.

Sooner or later the competition started to creep into us, and with every cheer, yell, jump, toss and pyramid, we'd have a rush of exhilaration. Scream and applaud the energetic and spot-on accurate teams, hold our breath when stunts are to come, and express shock when some fell. For a moment or so, it did seem a little repetitive, but that's alright.

I liked it best when their avid supporters ROARed. It's literally a cheersquad for the cheerleaders, and at times our eardrums vibrated with their ear-piercing screams and stomps.

They really were passionate about what they were doing; it's not just some sport (which simply reminds me of marching)

*smiles*

So I conclude. It's definitely different when you are part of it.

Quote of the day:

"My camera's memory card is illiterate. It can't read."