The Kite Runner

What makes a sport?

CHEERLEADING

As Cheerleading gains in popularity in today's society, the controversy rages on about whether it's a sport or not. There are rarely any questions about the athleticism of Cheerleaders, so are Cheerleaders athletes without a real sport? No, cheerleading is certainly a sport, it may not demand as much as a sport like football does, but the principles are still all there.

The world of cheer no longer means sideline squads that exist solely to support other teams, with no focus on themselves. They are teams in their own right these days, not so different in some respects from the football and basketball teams for which they traditionally cheer for. College and high school cheerleaders compete for national championships just like any other sport. They risk terrible injuries. Believe it or not they even get recruited for college scholarships. In almost every case, they put in unbelievable practice hours to create perfection.

Many people stand by the stereotype of a bunch of girls acting ridiculous, but don't have the slightest idea how much physical endurance and the physical capabilities are involved in the sport. You really do need to be an athlete. Squad's have guidelines and routines that need to be followed as well, sure they may not be as firm but they still exist. Cheerleading is as much a sport as any of the "big three" in the United States, football, basketball, and baseball, because it requires athleticism, practice, dedication, and skill.

Although cheerleading doesn't get the recognition that it deserves, it still fits the criteria of a sport. Most sports have distinct differences, but cheerleading is a combination of many. Cheerleading has the strength and bravery of football, the gracefulness and balance of gymnastics, and the performing aspects of figure skating. My