Buddy cheerleaders a true asset for Middlesex County

It's a proud moment for any community when one of its sports or performance teams wins a national competition, but Middlesex County has something truly special and inspiring in the St. Bart's Buddy Cheerleaders, based in East Brunswick. The six girls on the team, all between the ages of 11 and 15, not only overcame their disabilities to perform at local Pop Warner games, but through hard work and perseverance were able to compete and win at a national level.

Cheerleading is a tough sport for any youngster. For starters, each performer has to be in great physical condition and has to make a huge commitment of time. They have to endure a tedious practice schedule and spend countless hours working on the routines. It also takes confidence to perform in front of large crowds.

But the East Brunswick Buddy team, formed three years ago, is dedicated. The girls practice and work out for up to an hour and a half, three times a week. But it has all paid off. After a season of performing at local and regional events, the team showed its stuff before a crowd of 10,000 at Walt Disney World in Florida last month, received a standing ovation and captured the trophy for the National Challenger Division championship.

And while the victory is indeed a sweet one, it's just the icing on the cake for this allaround wonderful group. And that includes the team's coaches and other volunteers, as well as a very supportive community. Kudos also go to St. Bart's Pop Warner for launching the Buddy team in the first place.

Indeed, this is a cheery moment for the East Brunswick community, and these six cheerleaders are to be congratulated for their well-deserved success.