My first experience at a CFL football game was when my dad brought me to watch the Stampeders. I was amazed with the atmosphere of the crowd and the excitement as the game got started. I spent all four quarters watching the cheerleaders; I was in awe with how beautiful they where and how they never missed a beat. I remember wanting to have the confidence they showed, as well as the opportunity of dancing in front of such amazing fans.
When I was younger I was very shy. My mom had to tempt me with a McHashbrown before I would finally agree to sign up for the Little Miss Outrider Cheer Camp. I remember being so nervous at check-in, I wouldn’t leave my mom’s side until one of the Outriders took my hand, gave me some pom poms and walked me to our first practice. After that, I couldn’t wait to dance with them again!
During the practice, the Outriders gave us continuous encouragement. Every time we did the routine they where cheering us on, as well as attentively answering any questions we had. They never left anyone out and if anyone was being shy, they would break them out of their shell and get them to keep dancing!
Little Miss Outrider gave me so much confidence by game day, I was running out right beside the Outriders. I knew what hash I needed to go to and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. The Outriders made me feel like I was a part of the team and gave me role models to look up to.
Now, 2016 is my first year on the team and I couldn’t love my experience on this team any more. I am still overwhelmed by the opportunity of being apart of an incredible group of women that I still look up to. For me, being an Outrider gives me so much pride in the Stampeder organization, the City of Calgary, as well as being able to be a role model to so many young people. I am so excited for Little Miss Outrider this time. My goal is to fulfill dreams of excitement and the experience I felt when I was young and new to Little Miss Outrider. I also want to be an Outrider the Little Miss Outriders look up to. I hope to inspire the new Little Miss Outriders to run onto the field with as much pride and excitement as I consume and I want them to feel like a part of the team as much as I do.
I can’t wait to see their faces when fans start cheering them on!
Go Stamps!
The Little Miss Outriders, presented by Jayman BUILT, will take to the field at halftime this Sunday when the Stamps host the Ticats.