Cheerleading is an activity in which the participants (called cheerleaders) cheer for their team as a form of encouragement. It can range from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. It can be performed to motivate sports teams, to entertain the audience, or for competition.
Cheerleading, team activity in which elements of dance and acrobatics are combined with shouted slogans in order to entertain spectators at sporting events and to encourage louder and more enthusiastic cheering. In recent years it has gained recognition as a sport in its own right.
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History of Cheerleading For as long as civilization has formed groups, the idea of yelling encouragement has been around. Think about the crowds cheering for (or against) the gladiators at the coliseum in Rome.
The ICU World Cheerleading Championships return to Orlando, Florida, from 24–27 April. Discover the complete results from the event which is streaming live on Olympics.com.
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Curious about the types of cheerleading? Discover the two main branches—sideline cheerleading (including recreational, youth, and team squads) and competitive cheerleading (school-based and All-Star)—plus a bonus look at professional cheerleading.
Coverage of The Cheerleading Worlds 2026 begins April 22 in Orlando with results, division rankings, and news updates as they happen.
Live streaming available on CHEERUNION.TV. All scheduling and performance order information are subject to change. 2026 World Cheerleading Championships Rankings. © 2026 International Cheer Union. All Rights Reserved.