ParaCheer International CIO is an education and advocacy charity providing opportunities for, and supporting Disabled people to participate in Cheerleading.

Why our work is important

We believe that full inclusion in sport helps break down the barriers faced by Disabled people in society, it helps tackle discrimination by broadening people’s understanding of disability and provides new ways of thinking so we can continue to be innovative in problem solving. A recent report from the UK government showed inactivity is the cause of 1 in 6 deaths in the UK, and the Activity Alliance report showed that pre-pandemic, Disabled people were twice as likely to be inactive as their non-disabled counterparts.

Cheerleading is a rapidly growing sport that offers Disabled and non-disabled athletes the chance to develop leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as developing physical fitness and confidence. ParaCheer has developed coaching and choreography techniques for inclusive cheer and works to disseminate this knowledge and help clubs to reach the Disabled community so that as many Disabled people as possible can enjoy cheerleading.

The impact of our work

Over the last few years, we have:

• Created and provided free online resources for those interested in starting a team or making a current team more inclusive. 
• Created a training manual that was presented to every national federation in the European Cheer Union group. 
• Advised the International Cheer Union (the Olympic-recognised governing body) on rules and safety regulations as part of the formation of inclusive divisions.
• Contributed to the UK National Federation’s ‘Return to play’ document.
• Supported federations where Disability inclusion isn’t as embedded in their society (we have helped both Russia and China create their first Disability inclusive team and supported the Russian federation in their goals to obtain recognition from their Paralympic Association).