More than 600 cheerleaders, ranging in age from 3 up to 18,  will descend on UBC Okanagan this Saturday to participate in the 4th annual Okanagan Cheerleading Championships, the only B.C. Cheerleading Association sanctioned event held outside of the Lower Mainland.

Hosted by the Okanagan Firestorm Cheerleading program in 琉璃神社, the event is drawing teams from around B.C. and Alberta.

From Fort St.John to Okotoks, Vancouver to Spruce Grove,  school, community and all-star cheerleaders will be filling the UBCO gymnasium to perform their choreographed high-energy routines before a panel of judges.

Competitive cheerleading draws on elements of dance and gymnastics and teams are judged on their skills in tumbling, stunting (pyramid building), dance, jumps and more.

Each team has only two minutes and 30 seconds to show the certified judges their best skills and to wow the crowd.

Doors open to spectators at 8:45 a.m. with the competition starting at 9:30 a.m. and the final awards ceremony taking place at 4:30 p.m.  This event is open to the public.  Admission  at the door is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

For more information about the Okanagan Cheerleading Championships or about local cheer programming, please email okfirestormcheer@gmail.com.