The “Diamond” team representing S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University took the first place at the National Cheerleading Championship and won the 2014 Kazakhstan Cup.

Slim and cute girls, strong and handsome young men competed in synchrony and elegance of movements at the cheerleading tournament in Almaty. It brought together 50 teams with more than 500 participants from Almaty, Astana, Aktobe, Karaganda and Pavlodar. The Championship was held in 10 categories with 4 age groups.

According to the Director of PSU's Student Philharmonic Aynur Azimkhan, the main purpose of holding cheerleading events is to promote healthy lifestyles and involvement of students in systematic physical training and sports activities.

Now cheerleading has the status of an independent sport. Vivid performances during sporting events, incredible flexibility and elegant movements of cheer-leaders can attract viewers to any kind of sport from chess to football and basketball.

According to Mira Utelbayeva, the President of the Regional Cheerleading Federation and coach of the PSU team, each dance is like a small theatrical performance with elements of acrobatics and gymnastics. It is essential for all team members to be physically fit. “This kind of sport is relatively new for our University, but it has already gained great popularity. It should also be mentioned that the level of cheerleaders' professionalism and complexity of the elements that they perform are constantly growing,” says Mira Utelbayeva.

Members of the PSU team took the first place in the Cheer Dance Show category (dancing with pompons, pyramids and acrobatic elements), Division C, 16+ age group.

PSU students won the first and second prizes in the Group Stunt category (jumps and stunts) in Division A.

PSU cheerleaders also received 2nd and 3rd prizes for their performances in the Partner Stunt category in Division A.

This victory helped Ilya Pechenko, Madina Sharipova, Arnagul Zhagiparova, Moldir Myrzatayeva, Alfina Nurkenova and Amina Kabimollayeva become members of the National Cheerleading Team. They all hope to take part in international events and competitions. In January 2015, there will be a training camp for cheerleaders where they will get their proficiency diplomas.