Ascension Eagles win European Gold

Over 1000 top cheerleaders from 17 nations -- including Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States of America -- competed at the inaugural ICU International Open Championships. Newham's Ascension Eagles Senior Coed were representing Great Britain at this premiere event, held at Disneyland Paris.

Based in Custom House, Newham, Ascension Eagles Senior Co-ed have been undefeated National Champions since 1998. No other team in the world has held onto a national title for more than a decade. After winning overall Grand Champions at the ICC British Open and the FutureCheer National Championships earlier in the year, Ascension Eagles were ready to test their skills in a wider arena. With 17 nations competing, the ICU (International Cheer Union) Open provided an ideal opportunity for the Eagles to conquer new territory.

AEC Coach Angela Brown said, “As we travelled to the European Open in Paris there was a huge task before us. Could we gain that International Gold? As a Coach, it's one of the hardest times as you have done all you can and it is up to each athlete to deliver the perfect performance. The difference was that as they walked out on to the floor this time and I stood at the music stand, all the nerves faded away. I knew from the moment they lifted their chins and walked forward as one powerful force. I knew they were ready to take their place in the European history books. They delivered an amazing performance full of the excitement and energy – which is their signature style. They showed great class throughout the whole competition, during others' performances and to the other teams at awards. I am so proud to be associated with such awesome people. What will stick with me is not the actual performance - although it was perfect - it's their individual faces, as they let those watching catch a glimpse of the fun and passion they share as a team!”

Team member Tovonya Raybe said, “After our performance we were surrounded by cheerleaders from 17 different countries, complimenting us and wanting photos. We were overwhelmed by the crowd's response to our performance, but were delighted that our best had been so well received. Our division was not announced til the end. We clapped and cheered for teams as they had their winning moment. Then they announced the 'Elite Level 5 European Champs . . . Ascension Eagles Senior Coed 5!' We were elated! When we discovered that not only had we won our division, but top overall Senior Champions, we were so pleased. We want to always keep pushing ourselves to be the best we can be. If there is another level to achieve, we want to be there and do it. Eagles are made to keep rising higher and higher.”

Dr. Jan Becker, vice-president of the ICU commented, “We as the International Cheer Union feel very honoured and proud that so many cheerleaders from around the world followed our invitation to The European Open 2009 at Disneyland® Resort Paris. It was not only great to see all the high class performances but also the friendly and supporting environment that the whole cheerleading community and the different teams exemplified. The Ascension Eagles team from London, UK were one of the top teams at the competition - not only on the competition floor but also as ambassadors of Great Britain and of cheerleading itself."

Team member Mel Brown concluded, “Throughout this trip we have gained much more than a European gold; as a team we have overcome personal struggles, team obstacles and have learnt how to use these experiences to our advantage. What makes our team so amazing is not only that we are the best European cheerleading team, but we are also a team full of people from all different backgrounds and manage to combine our hearts and talents to set the standard of cheerleading all over Europe whilst exemplifying ideal conduct and proving that it's not just about cheerleading . . . it's much more than that!”

Ascension Eagles Senior Coed 5 will represent Great Britain at the Cheerleading World Championships in Orlando, Florida, in April 2010. In addition to being ranked in the world's top one percent, AEC athletes have also gained their IASF coaching qualifications and work with over 2600 aspiring cheerleaders annually through their London Cheerleading Academy outreach.