SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP -- Cheer Tyme in Mechanicsburg is about to take on the world.
Cheer Tyme is sending two groups to the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida. The two squads, consisting of athletes ranging from the ages of 12-18 and 14-32 years-old, have been busy practicing at Twin Ponds West in Silver Spring Township.
The year marks the eighth in a row that Cheer Tyme has had a representative at worlds.
The athletes and coaches know one small mistake during a competition at this level can be the difference between coming in first, fifth or tenth.
"When you talk about the division will be in -- that has 70 teams in it -- and all level five; the separations will be decimal points away from one another, it is very hard on the kids and their mental psyche," said Cheer Tyme gym owner and head coach Scott Braasch.
The world championships begin April 28 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Cheer Tyme's best finish has been seventh.
"Its mostly a mental game," said competitor Josalyn Geiman. "We've been practicing for months so we know we can hit our routine. You have to walk on the floor knowing you can do it."
