November 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

BRIGHT LIGHTS AND BIG SMILES! World Elite Idols Cheerleading Team

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

WRITTEN BY MIKE STURDIVANT PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

When you head to your local gym ready to watch a cheerleading competition, it does not take long after the World Elite Idols hit the floor before you notice the special abilities this team has on display. The World Elite Idols are an All-Star Special Needs Cheerleading Team that consists of 30 members who have various disabilities. They participate in local, regional and national competitions. The Idols, who are in their 16th season, were founded by Kathy Catazaro-Perry whose daughter Vanessa has Down Syndrome.

Being involved with the World Elite Idols goes far beyond simply providing inclusion in the sport of Cheerleading. The experience promotes pride, independence, teamwork and structure, while also providing physical fitness and therapy. The World Elite Idols program strives to help develop confident, happy, healthy young men and women through movement, exercise, tumbling, and cheer. Currently, the World Elite Idols are open to ages 3 through young adults. It does not matter what age a child enters the program, the Idols will assist with growth and development in a safe environment.

When the bright lights are on, the World Elite Idols are at their best! When these athletes hit the competition floor after the months of practice they put in, it brings to life an award-winning level of performance. When the competition begins, their eyes light up, and each one is smiling ear to ear as they continue running on the floor, looking out into the crowd for their family members, and waving hello to the audience in attendance. The Idols perform a two-and-a-half-minute music routine they have worked on for several months, with the support of amazing volunteers and coaches.

The World Elite Idols program provides a place for an individual with a disability and their family to be members of a special team. Each member is welcomed with open arms, no matter the disability. The program also gives each individual athlete the opportunity to grow and develop at their own pace. As the program has grown over the years, it has transformed into not only a support system for the athletes but also the parents. The time spent with one another at practices, during competitions, and other events offers opportunities to share stories, laugh, and at times tears as their parents work to assist each other through happy, sad and exciting times they experience together throughout the stages of the idol’s lives.

One of the Idols’ biggest financial supporters is the Paul and Carol David Foundation. This foundation has joined forces with the Idols from the very beginning by purchasing uniforms and shoes for the team. The amazing parents of the idols have also been large supporters. These parents have continued fundraising and have sponsored multiple fundraising events to continue to supply the Idols with all of the outfits and items needed for the squad of cheerleaders to be successful. Parents of the program always pay less than $75 for the season.

If you would like to support the World Elite Idols, they will host their annual fashion show fundraiser on March 18, 2023, at La Pizzaria in Canton. The show sells out each and every year. If you have an interest in learning more about your child joining this elite cheerleading group, you can reach out to coach Kathy at 330-418-7398.