cheerleaders_web_copy.jpgThe Contest of Champions was dominated by the Florida City Panthers Cheerleaders at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, on Sunday, March 2.  There were teams from all over present but none of them could out shine the “Pride of Florida City.”  The Florida City Panthers received first place trophies in all four recreational divisions: minis, youth, juniors and seniors.

The team also received the National Grand Championship trophy for scoring the highest of all the competing squads.
 
As if that was not enough, the team also won the highly coveted Spirit Award trophy, which is given to recognize the cheerleaders’ sportsmanship, team spirit, courteousness and camaraderie. 

Head coach Latoya Jackson was overjoyed by the results but not surprised. “I am so proud of the team. Our record spoke for itself,” Jackson said. About 70 girls participated in the competition.

The team also received two $1,000 checks, six Contest of Champions  banners and the senior squad received fancy Contest of Champions jackets. All over the building supporters for the Panthers screamed “Beast Mode,” which matched the team T-shirts and poster-board signs.

“There was a tremendous amount of support from the parents and families of Florida City,” said Keisha Spaulding, mother of mini cheerleader Tianna Spaulding. “The cheerleaders all displayed proud smiles throughout the entire competition.”