USA Cheer welcomes International Olympic Committee’s full recognition of the International Cheer Union

Cheerleading formally joins the Olympic Movement and is now eligible for Olympic inclusion

DALLAS (July 20, 2021) – USA Cheer today celebrated full International Olympic Committee recognition for the International Cheer Union. The recognition was granted by the IOC membership in a vote at the 138th IOC Session, held today in Tokyo, in advance of the upcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The ICU and Cheerleading are now fully eligible to petition to be included in the Olympic Games and a variety of Olympic multi-sport Games. The recognition will help insure greater support and funding for Cheerleading development in many countries around the world.

“This is an incredibly important day for the Olympic Movement, cheerleading and our governing body as we continue to increase participation in the United States and around the world,” said USA Cheer Executive Director Lauri Harris. “Our thanks to the IOC membership, as well as the administration, for this honor, and of course our congratulations to the ICU and its leadership, President Jeff Webb and Secretary General Karl Olson, for their tireless work. USA Cheer and our partner national federations look forward to taking this mandate forward, showcasing our incredible athletes and increasing opportunities to participate.”

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in the United States, the ICU began its journey to be recognized eleven years ago when it first applied to the IOC, receiving IOC provisional recognition in 2016. The ICU’s mission is to positively advance cheerleading throughout the world. The organization has steadily built its membership and now has 116 National Cheer Federation members.

“The IOC’s actions have created a monumental milestone for cheerleading. We are truly honored to receive this recognition by the IOC,” said Jeff Webb, President of the International Cheer Union. “This decision will greatly assist us as we strive to create opportunities for healthy participation and competition for millions of cheerleading athletes worldwide.”

The ICU has developed educational training programs for athletes, coaches and officials and has been instrumental in creating standardized rules, as well as safety programs and regulations. In conjunction with its National Federation members, the ICU organizes and supports continental and regional competitions throughout the year, culminating in an annual World Championship, exceeding 10,000 athletes from 70 countries in 2019.

The 2021 World Championship will take place in an all-virtual on-line format scheduled to be broadcast on October 9 & 10 on the Olympic Channel. The 2022 World Championship is scheduled to resume in Orlando, Florida, USA in April next year.

About The International Cheer Union
The International Cheer Union (ICU) was formed as the non-profit international governing entity whose mission is to advance cheerleading on a global scale. With over 100 member nations, the ICU represents all geographical areas where cheerleading exists. The ICU promotes healthy competition, rule development and education for athletes, coaches, and parents. More information can be found on www.cheerunion.org. Photography and b-roll video available upon request.

About USA Cheer
The USA Federation for Sport Cheering is a not-for profit 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 2007 to serve as the Governing Body for Sport Cheering in the United States and is recognized by the International Cheer Union. USA Cheer exists to serve the cheer community, including club cheering (all star), youth recreational cheer, traditional school-based cheer programs, and the growing sport of STUNT.
USA Cheer has three primary objectives: promote safety and safety education for cheer in the United States; help grow and develop interest and participation in cheer throughout the United States; and represent the United States of America in international cheer competitions.