Cheerleading is one of those activities that receives a lot of negative attention, but every once in a while, something happens that would warm the hearts of even those who are the most critical of the sport.
During a cheer competition featuring more than ten-thousand cheerleaders, one cheer squad's routine was almost cut short when there were technical difficulties, causing their music to turn off mid-routine last February.
Fellow cheerleaders in the surrounding stands responded in a way that was a far cry from how cheerleaders are often portrayed in popular films.
As the team continued their routine, the other cheer squads began to chant the numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7, helping the squad keep their rhythm and "slay" the rest of their routine.
While this kind of comradery is more common among cheerleaders than some would care to admit, this heartwarming moment might have gone undetected if it weren't for one woman, Magen Reaves, recording the moment from the stands.
You can watch the video here:
The video quickly went viral with 2.6 million likes and 11.8 million viewers, leaving viewers with a new respect for the sport and the genuine spirit demonstrated by these competitors.
While cheerleading is often characterized as a catty and superficial competition, not to mention not a "serious sport," the viewers of the video begged to differ. Rather, they were reminded of their own years in the cheer squad or the more positive moments they'd witnessed while their classmates cheered.
Whether they'd seen a moment as grand as this one, all were impressed by the gesture these competitors made.
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According to Reaves, the cheer squad whose music had abruptly cut up absolutely "slayed" their routine, thanks to their diligence as well as the support of their surrounding teams keeping the beat.
This was undoubtedly a wonderful lesson to all the young women involved that even competing is not all about winning.
Rather, developing strong relationships, being there for your teammates and even others' teammates, and even going out of your way to help someone else complete their routine would carry you much further than simply winning a trophy ever could.
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