Black Widow Cheer Gym opened its doors in 2003 and has been a fixture in Canadian cheerleading through the last two decades. As they have grown as a program, the Ottawa based gym has continued to build on their past successes to become a formidable Worlds program.

This season, they are fielding four teams in Worlds divisions, and they are primed and ready to have their best season to date. At Varsity’s premier Canadian event, Feel the Power East, three of those teams will be on full display.

Program Director, Larry Barber, told us that the Worlds program’s numbers absolutely exploded this season. They’ve had approximately forty athletes each of the last few seasons and have been focusing on internal improvement and fostering an environment that encouraged athletes to be invested in the program. This season, they have nearly ninety athletes on Worlds teams, and they are excited to take on the world in full force.

When asked how they’ve accomplished that growth, Barber told us, “Strong development and retaining athletes the last few seasons have really helped.”

They have utilized their experience and foundations built in their 17 seasons as a program to reach new heights in 2020.

This season, they are taking on new divisions with the expectation for first time Worlds athletes to gain valuable experience. In the Level 5 International Open division, Energy, who already received an At-Large Worlds bid in December, is testing their skills with all brand-new Level 5 athletes.

[WATCH] Black Widow Energy

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In the Level 6 International Open division, Twist will also be taking their shot at the globe with athletes who have never competed at that level before.

Having two teams filled with rookie Worlds athletes can be intimidating, but Barber is confident that the whole program is ready to support them and cheer them on to success. They ensure a family-feel environment by having each team practice alongside at least one other World's team for motivation and accountability.

 “When one team hits or gets a new skill, it really motivates the other team to match them or do even better,” shared Barber.

Through this system, they are seeing the athletes invest in the program and its continued growth.

[WATCH] Black Widow Twist

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One of the program’s other Worlds teams, Love, will be seeking a Paid bid in the International Global Coed Level 6 division. They obtained an At-Large bid in December, and they are hoping to upgrade at one of the most prestigious Worlds bids events of the season, especially in Canada. Look for them to make a strong statement up against some of Canada’s finest.  

The Black Widow Worlds teams have some big goals ahead of them, and their performances at Feel the Power East will be a big part of that journey.

Barber noted that they hope to “Get all four teams Worlds bids and have Energy and Love globe for the first time ever."

Beyond the tangible successes, however, they also hope to achieve success beyond the podium that continues to make the gym a place that athletes want to be for a long time.

”We really teach our athletes that all members of the BW family from Level 1 through 7 are equally valuable to our program and that we love and support everyone.”

They are actively making sure that each team is thriving in an environment enveloped by internal program support.  With all of the goals, their performances this weekend will be important as they set their sights on global success. Keep an eye out for this growing program as they look to be a big part of the Canadian movement at the end of season championship events in 2020.

Written By: Thomas Parrot

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