This is because the Barbados Cheerleading Federation does not have enough money or corporate support to send their team to Orlando, Florida for the April 24 – May 1 competition.

"Our team was unable to attend last year's World Championship due to our lack of funding and sponsorships.

"This year, we are raising money through various fund-raising events and are looking for personal or business sponsorship," said president, Terry Power.

He said that the only teams from the Caribbean that had been accepted in the 2008 World Championship were from Barbados and Jamaica.

Power said that the Barbados national team was the reigning champions of the Senior Cheer Co-ed Division, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada – a major qualifying tournament for the world championships.

"This is an excellent opportunity for young people from Barbados to represent our country in a world event in such a positive light," he said.

The local team is called Blazers and is made up of 25 cheerleaders, two coaches and four chaperones.

Power said the cost of sponsoring one child was $2 900 with the total goal being $84 535.90. Through contributions from parents, they have managed to bring that amount down to $20 090, and are now appealing to corporate sponsorship for this sum.

"The Barbados Cheerleading Federation is unique. We have not asked for help before and have tried to be self-reliant and have had the satisfaction of being successful to date.

"Now we have an opportunity to grow and be better. But we cannot do this without the help of a company who understands the benefits of investing in the development of sports in Barbados," said Power. (CA)