Gems cheer squad gives kids with special needs a chance to compete
With their arms outstretch into a "V," the girls stand on the hands of team members below before returning to the floor to continue their routine with cheers, claps and smiles.
They are cheerleaders, but they're not the typical squad.
Called the Gems, this new cheer squad of six boys and girls doesn't have a team to cheer for, but that doesn't dampen their excitement.
These kids have cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and cognitive deficits, and they are getting a chance to do something everyday kids get to do.
"One day she told me 'Mommy, I love to fly' after practice," said Cindy Shafer, mom of team member Jennifer, who has Down syndrome. "I learned that's what they call it when they are up in the air."
The team, which began last October and is coached by Heather Page, entered its first competition on Jan. 11 at St. Xavier University.
"Heather and I want to see them wear their uniforms and go on that floor and see what they are going to do," said Jenny Gapinski, who created the squad.
Gapinski, whose daughter belongs to the cheer program at Ultimate Athletics in Lindenhurst, approached operators of that facility about creating a separate cheer squad for children ages 5 and older with special needs.
"Because I work with special needs children, it has a piece of my heart," she said.
Shafer said the Gems fit her family's search for appropriate activities for Jennifer. She can practice social skills, work on strength training and learn to follow the coaches.
"It is therapy and fun. She does not even know she is working," said Shafer of Mundelein. "She loves to dance. It seemed like a perfect match."
Also on the team are Molly McNamee of Grayslake, Carissa Kusek of Round Lake, Tristian Hidalgo of Antioch, Hope Michelotti of Libertyville and Kelli Burchard of Lindenhurst.
Page stresses having fun and making friends. She is teaching the Gems a 21/2-minute routine that includes stunts, tumbling, dance and jumps.
"They do everything that everybody else does, not to the ability other kids do, but to the best of their ability at their level," Page said.
Girls from older cheer teams at Ultimate Athletics have volunteered to be "buddies" and work with the Gems. Two to three girls work with same child every Sunday. Amy McNamee said her younger sister, Molly, who has cerebral palsy gets excited seeing her compete.
"She wanted to be a part of it," Amy McNamee said.
The buddies say the Gems have drawn closer because team members are learning to adapt to this new environment. And they have learned when to work and when to play.
"I think they trust us more," said buddy Elizabeth Ryan, 15, of Libertyville.
Lori Burchard said the buddies are patient and dedicated. Her daughter Kelli's buddy, Leila Elaty, comes from Schaumburg to help.
"Her commitment to it is excellent. She knows she is depended upon," Burchard said.
Page has noticed changes as team members trust each other and are more excited to learn the routine. Everyone cheered when Hidalgo, who did not want to join at first, completed his first forward roll.
"Last week he did forward rolls all up and down the mat, back and forth. After he'd do it, he'd look in the mirror and be so proud of himself and do it again," she said.
Shafer said Jennifer now wants to show anybody her cheer.
"We were at a Christmas party yesterday and she stopped and said 'everybody, here is my cheer.' She did the whole thing. Everyone was laughing and clapping," she said.
At the competition organized by Champion Spirit Group, each team was be reviewed by judges who complimented and critiqued their routine to help them improve. Gapinski said all teams receive a medal or ribbon.
Page said this is a new experience for the Gems and the coaches who have not worked with special needs kids before.
"They have highly exceeded our expectations. They are doing way more than we thought," Page said. "We are really, really proud of them."