Here to Cheer!

On our way to the Warehouse this morning we encountered a chant of cheerleaders flowing from the Holiday Inn to the Convention Center. Just being at the same stoplight with all that energy is like a shot of espresso.

Even though we've written before about the economic impact of this aspect of the sports world, it's worth revisiting because the numbers are so impressive. So pull out your pom poms give a cheer for the 10th Annual "Return to Atlantis"  All-Star Challenge being held this weekend in Baltimore.

First of all, "Return to Atlantis" is a national competition -- final stop before the cheerleading worlds.  The two young ladies above are from New Jersey.

Secondly, "Return to Atlantis" is a three day event.  Competitions start Friday and run through Sunday.  Most cheerios, friends, and family stay two or three nights in downtown hotels.  According to the mom and grandmom in this coterie, that means lots of tours, restaurants and shopping.  ("It makes you want to come back and visit again," said grandmom, bless her.)

"Return to Atlantis" is a team competition.  Teams consist of squads in various ages groups.  This New Jersey team has well over 100 cheerleaders in attendance.

"Return to Atlantis" has more than 30 teams in the competition.  Although challenged in math, even we can figure out there are several thousand cheerleaders, with even more support staff (aka parents and chaperones) plus professional photographers, videographers, make-up artists, costumers, hairdressers and the like who round out these events.

(It takes a veteran stage mother to relate to the entourages and cottage industries that comprise this kind of road show.  Believe the voice of experience -- your wallet never closes.)

So three cheers (and a lot more) for "Return to Atlantis" and all the other competitions that take place around Maryland over the course of the year.  In addition their electrifying energy, they also move a lot of moola.