Virginia Gems earn titles at cheerleading competition

By Community Member | February 2, 2015 3:23 pm

Members of the Virginia Gems’ cheerleading team pose for a picture in celebration of their accomplishments at a Jan. 17 competition.

The Virginia Gems, a cheerleading team based out of New Kent Gymnastics Center, earned multiple titles at the Occoquan Beach Blast Competition at the University of Mary Washington on Jan. 17.

The group competed against 29 teams from the region, with the Virginia Gems bringing five of their own.

The Darling Diamonds Junior 1 took home a first place finish, while the Amethyst Coed Senior 3 and Ruby Divas Mini 1 finished in second place in their respective divisions. The Lady Emeralds Junior 2 garnered a fifth-place finish, while the Sapphire Sweethearts received honorable mention.

In November, the Lady Emeralds placed second and the other teams finished third in the Aloha International Spirit Championships in Richmond.

“We are very proud of our teams’ performances at their first competitions,” said director Dayna DeShazo. “To have five full teams of boys and girls for such a new program is amazing.”

The Virginia Gems started in 2013, with participants age ranging from two-and-a-half to teenagers.

Tryouts for the groups’ fourth season begins in April. For information, visit www.newkentgym.com or call 557-3855.