Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

This past weekend, three youth cheerleading teams from the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) competed in the US Finals - The Final Destination in Virginia Beach, VA, and earned one national championship, one second place and one seventh place.  Hosted by the Nations Leading Cheerleading Companies from May 1 to 3, 2009, the US Finals - Final Destination featured over 500 teams in the multi-day competition.

Two teams represented DPR from the Harry Thomas Sr. Community Center in the national competition. The Cougars, competing in the Limited Mini Rec League Cheer division earned first place and national champions’ honors. The second Cougars team, competing in the Advanced Junior Rec League Cheer division earned seventh place.

The DC Scorpions from the Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center earned second place in the Intermediate Junior Rec League Cheer division.

"What a great accomplishment for all of these incredible young athletes!" said DPR Acting Director Dr. Ximena Hartsock.  "I look forward to watching the continued success of DPR's cheerleading teams here at home and even across the country."

Together, the three teams feature nearly 60 young female athletes, ages 6 to 14 years old, who earned their bids to compete this weekend at the US Finals - The Final Destination based upon their top level performances during recent regional qualifying competitions. 

DPR's Cheer and Pom-Pom program currently has 27 teams and over 300 athletes, ages 6 to 18 years old, participating across the District; for more information call DPR Athletic Programs at (202) 671-1700.

DPR's Harry Thomas Sr. Community Center Cougars were named National Champions in the Limited Mini Rec League Cheer division.

DPR's DC Scorpions Venom from the Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center earned second place in the Intermediate Junior Rec League Cheer division.

DPR's Harry Thomas Sr. Community Center Cougars competing in the Advanced Junior Rec League Cheer division earned seventh place.