National Cheer Association event canceled, converted to online media

By Karina Mendoza
Bridge contributing writer
Published Monday, April 13, 2020

 This would have been the final countdown before TAMIU’s cheer and dance team took off for Daytona Beach, Florida. The teams were scheduled to compete in the National Cheer Association and National Dance Association Collegiate Championship competition, which was canceled due to the coronavirus.

“They’re not getting to compete at all and all practices have been canceled, as well,” assistant coach Rose Troche said.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted from the effects of the coronavirus. As a result, numerous events across the nation became canceled, including many Texas A&M International University functions.

“In order to help prevent the spread of the virus, it was in the best interest of the company, the city of Daytona and for the health of all participating athletes, coaches and supporters to cancel the competition,” coach Anyssa Salazar said.

According to varsity.com, the event’s officials created a way to showcase these students’ cheer and dance skills, via social media.

“We understand and appreciate the hard work, time and sacrifice that teams have put into preparing for the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship,” according to the website. “Due to the cancellation of the event, we would like to give teams the opportunity to receive special recognition.”

Varsity.com’s goal is “to highlight college teams from across the nation and give athletes the opportunity for all of their hard work to be recognized.”

The registered collegiate cheer and dance teams were able to upload videos of their skills via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and BAND from April 6 to 9.