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LESSON IN TOKYO
(Singapore's Cheerleading Team Learns From The Japanese At World Meet)
By Singapore's Cheerleading Team
Team Singapore's cheer leaders did us proud with some fine performances at the 1st Cheerleading Asia International Open in Tokyo, Japan, last month (April). Called the NTU ACES, they held their own despite stiff competition from the Japanese teams as well as international teams. Below is a personal account from the Singapore team.
Rare Opportunity
We had won the National Cheerleading Championships held in March. Part of the prize was a fully sponsored trip by Singapore Sports Council and Cheerleading Association of Singapore to represent Team Singapore in Tokyo. This invitation offered a rare and valuable opportunity for us to compete, witness and learn from world class cheerleading teams in action. The competition period clashed with our examinations. Fortunately, with our university's support, we were able to go for the trip. It wasn't easy as we had to train for the competition and study for our exams at the same time. But we worked hard as we cherished the opportunity to represent Team
Singapore.
Top Teams
The Championships was held at the Yoyogi National Stadium on 21st and 22nd April 2007. There were many top Japanese teams as well as international teams representing Russia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. We noted early that the Japanese teams were very polished and neat in their execution of routines. Most (if not all) cheerleading members have sound and solid foundation in gymnastics. The display of discipline, team work, coordination, timing and perseverance among members
was amazing. Chinese Taipei and Russia were the only two foreign teams that were able to execute routines comparable to the Japanese teams.
Live Coverage
There was live coverage by NHK TV station and the ambience was great. Exhibition teams comprising school children showcased their cheers and dance routines, followed by the 30 local teams and then the international segment. The Japanese were in a class of their own and every team was unique, captivating and entertaining in terms of routines.
Strong Culture
In the international category, Team Singapore emerged third, behind Chinese Taipei and Russia but ahead of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.Though these teams could not match the Japanese teams, they were also good and we felt we put up some creditable performances. Summing up the experience, vice-captain Spencer Goh said, "We are amazed by Japan. Their cheerleading culture is very strong and established and the discipline and mannerisms demanded of each cheerleader promote a very wholesome and
positive image of cheerleading. Singapore and NTU have much to learn from this experience."
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