DURANT, Okla. (KXII) – Elevate Cheer received a bid to compete at Worlds competition in Orlando, the team learned Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The elite cheer team waited together to hear whether they would advance to the competition in April.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did get a bid,\u201d said Melanie Knight, head cheer coach.<\/p>\n
Team members celebrated with tears and hugs after hearing the news.<\/p>\n
Knight said she is proud because this is the first year for an elite division in cheer abilities.<\/p>\n
Elite cheer teams, like Elevate, are similar to other squads but with a special difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have differing abilities, it could be anything from a physical disability, a diagnosis, educational disability, that would keep us from being able to compete on a neurotypical team,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\n
The team\u2019s expectations on the mat remain the same as any other squad. They excel in jumps and tumbling and are preparing to take their talents to the big stage.<\/p>\n
The bid required significant effort from the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt took a lot of effort with Mrs. Melanie,\u201d Brileigh Ramsey said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey showed resilience, significant resilience, we had a couple of things that didn\u2019t go just right and they didn\u2019t freeze,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\n
Elevate currently ranks as the second-best elite team in the nation.<\/p>\n
While the team prepares to compete, one teammate said cheering is not the only thing she looks forward to in Orlando.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom says we can do a couple fun things, like go to Disney World,\u201d Allie Ritzwoller said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though we have differing abilities we are still capable of doing big things,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\n
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