Podium place for Ruby cheerleaders in Florida
Just ahead of the Musselburgh-based outfit were England's Top Gun organisation and Stingrays from the host nation.
Gillian Samuel, who coached the Rubies along with her daughter, Natalie, was overwhelmed by the success, saying:
'After twice finishing in the top 10 we finally made it on to the podium which was the culmination of nine months putting together routines and fund raising with projects such as supermarket bag-packing.
'To reach these heights out group of 18 had to see off competition from Japan, Germany, Canada, Ireland and Mexico.'
It was a costly exercise with each girl having to raise a four figure sum just to get on the plane and Gillian paid tribute to a string of sponsors who assisted.
Sponsors included Bold Autos, Artemis, East Coast Scaffolding, TCM Conservation and Masonry, WB Joinery Ltd and Howdens.
Based at Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Gillian says that as word of the club's success spreads – they cleaned up in the six UK competitions entered to have their bid accepted for the Florida event which is one step below world championship level – bigger premises may soon be required.
Settled accomodation has been a struggle for Black Diamonds in recent years but priority will be returning to the Summit competition next year to try to improve on third place. Clearly there will be no sitting on any laurels.
The successful Ruby contingent comprised:
Ella Lockett, captain, Casey Harcus, vice captain, Poppy Welsh, Isla McKenzie, Myla Mcveigh, Rhia Jude, Evie Dickson, Tillie Allison, Macy Harper, Harper McMillan, Charlotte Burden, Lexi Gardiner, Harmony Froude, Brookly Lye, Harmoni Gray, Elly Menshi, Maia Dickson, Rumeur White.
Coaches – Gillian and Natalie Samuel.
The Ruby group who did Black Diamonds cheerleading proud in Florida.
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