Event for breast cancer research expanding by leaps and bounds
VINTON - This year’s 4th annual Battle at Byrd – Cheer 4 A Cure cheerleading competition was a resounding success with preliminary estimates indicating over 1200 people in attendance throughout the course of the day. “This is the first year we have completely sold out of wristbands” said Dee-Anne Dillon, Head Cheer Coach for William Byrd and VHSL Cheer Commissioner.
Though total figures are not available yet, as they are waiting to be billed for some of the school personnel expenses (custodians, security, cafeteria workers, etc.) they hope to have those figures by the end of next week. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society, local breast cancer research, and William Byrd Cheer Programs.
The Vinton Raiders (8 & under) compete during the Battle at Byrd - Cheer 4 a Cure event. - Photo by Carrie E. Cox
The fundraising came not just from ticket prices and sales of programs as well as “Shout Outs” to the cheerleaders, but also from the silent auctions, whose tables were set up in the lobby in front of the gym, and sales of t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants for the event. Those who wish to still purchase a clothing item can do so by contacting Shirts Unlimited at 344-4025, as they will still have the items available for sale.
The event itself was an all-day event, with 26 teams scheduled to perform in 7 different divisions. The Vinton Raiders won the Recreation 8yrs & under division, the Cave Spring Raiders won the Recreation 11-12yrs division, and the Synergy All-Stars won the All-Star division. Place winners for the Middle School Division were: 1st Brookville Middle, 2nd Cave Spring Middle, 3rd Read Mt. Middle. Place winners for Small Varsity were: 1st Hidden Valley and 2nd Cave Spring. Place winners for Large Varsity were: 1st Franklin County, 2nd Brookville, 3rd Northside. Place winners in the Co-Ed Varsity category were: 1st E.C. Glass and 2nd Virginia High. Though the William Byrd Middle and High School cheerleaders also performed their scores did not count for placement purposes since they hosted the event.
“This is the first year that the Battle at Byrd has partnered with the Vinton Relay for Life and we were very excited to join forces with them” noted Dillon. “We have students and staff members at WBHS and/or WBMS who are currently battling different forms of cancer. We also have many cancer survivors in our schools. It was important to us to try to reach out to help people dealing with any form of this disease. Cancer can strike anyone at any age at any time–it doesn’t discriminate on any level! We are committed to doing our part to help in the fight for a cure.”
The following teams/schools registered for and participated in the event: Abingdon High School, Alleghany High School, Amherst County High School, Bassett High, Brookville High, Brookville Middle, Cave Spring High, Cave Spring Middle, Cave Spring Raiders, Clifton Middle, E.C. Glass High, Franklin County High, Gretna High, Hidden Valley High, Hidden Valley Middle, Lord Botetourt High, Northside High, Pulaski County High, Pulaski Middle, Read Mtn. Middle, Synergy All-Stars, Vinton Raiders, Virginia High, William Fleming, William Byrd Middle and William Byrd High.
The cheer competitions were recorded by Monty Williams of Video Ventures. DVDs are available for $35 each. Those interested in purchasing a DVD can contact Video Ventures by calling 904-7030.
For more information about Battle at Byrd – Cheer 4 A Cure, including a list of last year’s winners and links to the event’s Facebook page, please visit their website at http://www.cheer4acure.com.
Story by Carrie E. Cox
