WHITE PLAINS, NY — In the first year of competition since being designated an interscholastic, competitive sport in New York State, more than 1,000 cheerleaders representing high schools and middle schools from Westchester and surrounding counties will vie for top honors during the 66th Annual Westchester County Cheerleading Invitational on Monday and Tuesday, November 17 and 18, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
Both middle school and junior varsity competitions will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, with junior varsity at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Varsity squads will compete at 7 p.m. on both nights.
Squads will be judged on their jumps, tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids/basket tosses, choreography, timing, projection and the difficulty of their routines.
The Grand Champions trophy competition, during which the first place winners of the five varsity divisions from each day compete, will take place on Tuesday night. At the conclusion of each competition, all varsity, junior varsity and middle school squads will be eligible for the Team Spirit Award sponsored by the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association.
In addition, the Annette Hroncich Westchester County Cheerleading Association scholarships will be awarded based on candidates’ academic average, a written essay, school and community involvement and cheerleading ability.
The United States Marine Corps will present the colors for the opening ceremony each evening.
Spectator admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students with school I.D. (one ticket per I.D.), and $5 for children under 12. Tickets are on sale now, at the County Center box office, which is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted.
The Westchester County Cheerleading Invitational is sponsored by Westchester County Parks, Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc., the Westchester County Cheerleading Association and the Westchester County Police Benevolent Association.
The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Avenue in White Plains. Parking is $5 per car. Go to countycenter.biz or call the County Center at (914) 995-4050.