A South Peninsula gymnastics, cheerleading and aerial club recently celebrated and capped off a remarkable 2026 competition season, bringing home titles from provincial, national and African championship events.
Cheer and Tumbling Stars, based in Sunnydale, kicked off their winning streak at the Western Province Cheerleading Championships on Saturday 30 May, where they claimed first place in four categories: Primary All Girl Level 2, Primary Coed Level 3, Primary Pom Duo and High School All Girl Level 3.
Crowned champions
The athletes come from various schools across the South Peninsula, including Fish Hoek Primary, Sun Valley Primary, Generation School Imhoff, Flourish and Call of the Wild.
Building on that provincial success, the primary-school teams travelled to Pretoria to compete at the SAMCA National Cheerleading Championships at the Matsport Centre.
There they were crowned South African champions in both the All Girl Level 2 and Pom Duo categories, and secured third place in Coed Level 3.
Several club athletes were also selected to represent the Western Province Junior Cheerleading Team, which was itself crowned South African Champion at the event.
The club’s success then extended to the international arena when the All Girl Level 2 team and Pom Duo qualified to represent South Africa at the ICU African Cheerleading Championships, competing against teams from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Both squads claimed gold medals.
Encouraging each other
For the young athletes the experience proved as meaningful off the mat as on it.
Lisa Kriel said she had not realised how many cheer teams existed in South Africa, describing it as a wonderful experience to grow her skills alongside children from different schools and areas.
Mila Kobab said she made new friends and memories she will always cherish.
Her mother, Ashley Kobak, who travelled with the team, said watching the children experience nationals was incredibly special.
“They created lifelong memories, built new friendships and grew in confidence, resilience, and teamwork. What made it even more meaningful was that they experienced it together as the Cheer Stars family, supporting and encouraging one another every step of the way.”
Paizley Bruchhausen said representing Western Province made her feel proud and that watching the older cheerleaders inspired her to keep working hard.
“I learnt a lot, cheered my heart out and had so much fun with all my teammates. I can’t wait for the next Nationals.”
ALSO READ: Heathfield High School trio earns national colours at 2026 Winter NSSC in East London
