We had our Ontario Championships this weekend. And we did great!
He said
The last two weekends for us have been completely focused on Cheer for Emelia. And we couldn’t be happier! After her first year, last year getting circumvented by COVID and only being able to compete virtually, it was a bit of a letdown because she was really looking forward the performance side of things. So we were cautiously optimistic as the 2022 season and schedule started to roll out. In December, with restrictions, vaccine passports and a lot of health precautions in place, Emelia was finally able to experience her first in-person competition. And what a huge difference from her Gymnastics experience.
Last weekend we were in Mississauga for the Cheer Evolution Winterfest competition. On Monday, we found out that Emelia’s team placed second! The team was very happy with their result. This weekend, we were in Kitchener for 2 days for the Ontario Championships. The team competed at 10:19 am yesterday and then again 10:00 am. Their first performance counted for 30% of their score, and the second today was worth 70% of their final score. One thing that is noticeably different with Cheer is that is very organized and run tightly on time. It’s been a huge improvement over our experience with Gymnastics.
After last weekend’s performance where Emelia’s nerves were on high alert before they performed. She was the first to tell us she missed a back handspring (no one noticed) and was very hard on herself about it. So, we were worried how she would be this weekend. The nice thing is where last week they were performing later in the day and had a day of nerves to build, this weekend they were first thing in the morning. Both days we could see Emelia off in the prep area looking a lot more loose and like she might even be having fun. What a huge source of relief! And after what looked like a flawless run by Emelia, Danielle & I waited with baited breath as the team came upstairs to meet their families. Emelia ran to Danielle and jumped into Danielle’s arms for a hug, as she was so happy with their performance, and of course, her own. It was the best feeling ever for her parents for sure.
Today, the performance that meant the most left Emelia’s parents even more nervous for her (and, for us). But, once again in the prep area, I could see her dancing to the music and looking like she was somewhat loose and having fun. I made sure to point out to Danielle to ease her too. The performance itself, to our eyes, looked better than their one yesterday. Yesterday, there were parts that they didn’t hit that we could see with our untrained Cheer judge eyes and Emelia confirmed after. Today’s performance looked like the best one we had seen in all of their competitions. And if you watched their coaches you’d think so too as they were very animated with how it went. And, when the team came up to meet their families there was a loud cheer for them from the families that I am sure everyone else was wondering what was going on. But, again the best part was seeing the relief, happiness and pride in Emelia’s face.
These last two weekends have been really great for Emelia and we couldn’t be happier. These last two years have really been shitty for her – to put it bluntly. So to see her getting this thing and enjoying it in the way that she had been missing has really been great for us all. But, mostly for her. It’s hard, it’s stressful, it’s pushed her out of her comfort zone, and most importantly it has given her something that is her very own. And, we couldn’t be prouder of her. And for her. Now, we wait until Tuesday night to find out the results from this weekend. Emelia says she just wants to place (first, second or third, for a medal). And I think with their performance today, they just might!
She said
Once again this weekend we were cheer parents. And honestly we never thought we would love it as much as we do. The whole energy of the event is infectious! We found out not long ago that Emelia’s team had a very early start so we knew it was going to be two long days. Saturday we were up at just after 5:00 to get ready. Emelia and I focused on getting her hair Cheer ready and it gave us some time to talk through any worries she had going in. She was nervous after the tiny miss last week, but after a few strong practices she had stopped beating herself up and she was back in the right headspace going into this weekend.
The thing about anyone who has anxiety like Emelia her brain is often her worst enemy, but also if you have ever suffered through anxiety it is not something you can shut off. By the time we got in the truck she was in great spirits and ready to go. We had just over an hour to drive and she was beaming the whole way there. We arrived and you see the nerves settling in. Thankfully she has incredible teammates who really know how to talk to her and make her feel comfortable and calm.
Nervous parents we were all waiting to watch the team. There was some stumbles in some of the stunting by one of the groups but otherwise they had a good run. Emelia came out from the floor and was smiling ear to ear and gave me the biggest hug. She was so proud of her performance and she should be, she nailed it! We drove home and she was excited to get back at it the next day. On the drive home we found out that the routine from the first day counted for 30% of their mark so they knew they had lots of room to move up.
Today we were up again at the crack of stupid to get Emelia ready. We were on the highway shortly after 7:00 to make our way to day two. Emelia was nervous again but we could see by the time she hit the practice floor that she was dancing, smiling and having a blast. HUGE relief for her parents. Then they hit the floor and oh my god they nailed it!!! The coaches and families were loosing their minds with excitement. They hit zero and had the run of their season at the right time. Now this competition is tight so we don’t know where they will land but the kids, parents and coaches were beyond proud of what they pulled off today.
Now we wait, again due to COVID the results are not announced in the end of competition celebration. This time we have to wait until Tuesday to find out the results. But the good news for the kids is the day they train so they can all watch the results together! We are so proud of Emelia, she has overcome so much in these last two years and works so hard every day. We love you boo-bear.