
Four teams gained spots on the podium at the Alpine Classics competition in Christchurch, where they placed first, second or third.
Coach Graham Versfeld said for many of the competitors this was the first time competing at the event, the only one of its kind in the South Island.
He was not surprised the team had placed highly, and was ‘‘extremely proud’’ of how each competitor had done.
Eclipse was the first gym of its kind in Otago, he said.
He and fellow coach Bobby Noon opened Eclipse Cheerleading in 2017 after noticing the lack of cheerleading in the region.
The Alpine Classic was a bit different this year.
The judging panel, based in Auckland, attended remotely and audience numbers were restricted, he said.
Despite Covid-19 restrictions affecting the ability to hold sessions, cheerleading in New Zealand had increased in popularity over the past few years.
‘‘It’s the fastest growing sport in the country.
‘‘Currently it’s dominated by the North Island, but it’s getting bigger in the South.’’