National Cheerleading Championships set for Fearless 14th season with ESPN5

What to expect at the NCC

We are Fearless.

That is the theme of the National Cheerleading Championships as it commences with its 14th season of showcasing the best in cheer, dance, and in snapping the beats on the drums. It is a trait that epitomizes each and every cheerleader as they attempt to take risks and exceed limits. At the same time, it also reflects on the NCC with its bold steps in recognizing the strength and resiliency of Filipino cheerleading.

Reflecting on this, NCC founder Carlos Valdes says, "In a real sense, the NCC is just like the sport of cheerleading. It requires courage over anxiety, resolve over doubt, discipline over comfort. You really have to be fearless."

For this season, over 300 teams are expected to take part in the NCC, which will commence with the first of six regional qualifiers with the South Luzon leg this weekend at Robinsons Las Pinas.

Set to follow in South Luzon's footsteps later this year are Central Luzon on October 13-14, Cebu and Legaspi in November, and Davao in December. The final set of qualifiers will take place in late January with the NCR.

Outstanding squads will have the chance to be the best among the best in the country with the Nationals this coming March at the Mall of Asia Arena, and could even have a chance to go up against international competition with the ICU Philippine Open that same month.

In addition, the NCC sees this as the opportunity to find those who can comprise Team Pilipinas, who would then represent the country in the different ICU-linked competitions in the region, as well as in the World Championships held next year in Orlando, Florida. Last year's edition saw athletes from Assumption College in the Cheer Hip-Hop division and Poveda Juniors in the Juniors Championships, with the All-Girl and Co-Ed Elite teams were comprised of student-athletes from NU, Ateneo, UST, La Salle, and FEU, among others.

Reflecting their own kind of fearless, ESPN 5 forged a partnership with the NCC that would allow the former to cover the latter, starting from the qualifiers onto the Nationals. Expect multi-platform coverage to showcase the best and the brightest, including LIVE free tv coverage of the Nationals. Highlights will be part of the package on SportsCenter Philippines.

On their partnership, TV5 President Chot Reyes shares, "Our network remains steadfast in its role of supporting every Filipino athlete as they represent our country on the world stage; in line with this is our active pursuit to expand awareness for our breadth of local talent, and the different sports in which they excel. It was only natural for us to continue our partnership with the NCC as they pursue their vision of advancing cheerleading as a sport in the country."

Valdes adds, "ESPN5 has stayed true to its mission of bringing great sports content to Filipinos. With their world-class content delivery platforms, we are elated to have them on board for the whole season of the NCC, and together with the journey of Team Pilipinas."

For more details on the National Cheerleading Championships, one can check out www.nccphilippines.com.ph.