Recognizing the Ansonia Pop Warner Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders on their Trip to the National Championships
Representative Rosa L. DeLauro
Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pride that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to the Ansonia Pop Warner Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders as they make their way to Orlando, Florida to compete in the National Championships. The Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders join the Ansonia Coppers Midget Football team who are also in Orlando for their National Championship game. The Ansonia community certainly has cause for celebration with the tremendous accomplishments of these young people.
A squad of eighteen girls between the ages of eight and ten, the Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders have worked very hard over the last several months to be able to compete in this year's competitions. Coming together in August, the girls practiced for two hours four nights a week and, after the start of the school year, three nights a week. This fall, the squad was able to perform live, cheering for the Ansonia Coppers every Sunday.
The dedication and commitment these girls have demonstrated is truly inspiring. They have worked so hard to master the required high-level tumbling skills and the necessary symmetry of their movements. The girls haven't missed a beat, even when, during the regional competition, a judge accidently stopped their music halfway through their routine. In Orlando, the girls will face seventeen other teams. They should certainly be very proud of what they have already been able to accomplish and I have no doubt that they will represent Ansonia and Connecticut well in the Championships.
I am also pleased to recognize Judy Banks, a Pop Warner cheerleading coach for thirteen years, who has worked with the girls since August of this year. Her leadership and energy has been the driving force behind the success of the Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders. In addition, I would also extend a note of thanks and appreciation to the parents and volunteers whose support has enabled the girls to practice and travel for their competitions. Without their efforts, the success of the Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders would not be possible.
I am thrilled to join the Ansonia community in extending my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to the Ansonia Pop Warner Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders as they head to their National Championship competition. I, as well as the entire community, will be rooting for you! Win or lose, you have made us very proud!
[Taken from the Congressional Record, 7 Jan 03, page E2.]