A disability-inclusive cheerleading team has been chosen to represent England in the world championships.
The BBC reported that Phoenix Allstars Cheerleaders, based in Bristol, will be heading to the USA next year for the competition.
Team member Beth Hope, 24, began using a wheelchair after she was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
She told the BBC: “I really want to show people with a disability or illness that absolutely anything is possible.”
Beth added that after she began using a wheelchair she found it difficult to find a team which could accommodate her but she said Phoenix Allstars had their “doors wide open”.
She said: “The most important part of being in this team is promoting accessibility. If there is a little girl watching the championships who is a wheelchair user and she sees us and feels inspired that is a job well done.
“I think it is amazing that we have the opportunity to inspire.”
The team will be representing England in the Advanced Adaptive Abilities category of the world championships, which will take place in Orlando, Florida, in April 2023.
Adaptive Abilities Cheerleading brings together disabled and non-disabled athletes to create an inclusive routine.
Miranda Burn, co-owner of the team, said: “I was very emotional when I knew that we had been given this fantastic opportunity to compete. We will make sure that every member of the team is involved in every aspect of the routine – that is what Phoenix Allstars is really about.”
