Have you ever journeyed with your heart, felt an urge to do something not for yourself while expecting nothing in return? The images from this post are a celebration of months of hard work from a team called the Shining Stars supported and coached by the talent of Green Bay Elite Cheer.
A very special part of our photography business is called, Cause & Co. Essentially, nuggets of our time are given back to our clients who present us with a cause that they believe in. Ari, one of our seniors from last year was directly involved with making this day so special for the 9 kids that make up the Shining Stars. Here is what Ari and her Mom had to add about their experience:
About a year ago , Ari went to see an elite cheer competition. She looked forward to cheering on all of the teams that night, including the one special needs team. Ari had already loved the idea of the team before, but seeing them go through the journey and performing for the sold out crowd of 5,000 spectators was meaningful. As an all-star cheerleader herself, Ari was familiar with the challenges that athletes faced. She also appreciated that every person has something unique to offer. At the final cheer competition of last season, she saw a special needs athlete stand in her wheelchair footrests with the assistance of her helper during their routine. She stood for quite a long time and it didn’t look easy. It’s tough not to cry when you see someone find a way to face their challenges like that and make the most of every day! It inspires her to do the same. The Shining Stars first practice was Thursday, October 10, 2013. We did some drills and just had fun. “I definitely would never have guessed what many of them have faced and continue to face. You really can’t know until you have a chance to talk. I like hearing about the things they like to do, how their day went, their struggles. We talk about music. You know, the kind of things you like to know about your friends.”
The GBE Shining Stars’ very first competition was at Appleton North on January 11, 2014. The team was nervous for their first time out on the mat. Ari remembered and understood. They walked out together. They performed while the audience watched and cheered. It was an unforgettable day. One that she looks forward to doing all over again.
