Helsinki, Finland Athletics Cheerleaders

When you see or hear something about the country of Finland, your first thought might be of Finnish saunas or snow or something else. What you probably won't think of is the sport of cheerleading in connection with Finland.

However, in Helsinki, Finland, there is a cheerleading program that has been in existence for quite a while. In fact, the Helsinki Athletics Cheerleaders (HAC) is considered one of the "oldest and most successful" of the programs.

For 15 years, the HAC cheered for the American Football Club using the name of "Roosters Cheerleaders". Their decision in 2002 to form their own organization led to the name change. Approximately 350 cheerleaders, comprising at least 15 different squads are currently registered in the program.

The HAC participate in international competitions and have made many important contacts and friendships with other squads. They have competed in the World Championships, numerous European championships, and Elite Cheerleading Championships in Germany, as well as the COA Open AllStar.

It's possible that we tend to think of cheerleading as an "American thing," when in fact it has no borders. As long as there are kids who want to flip, "fly," spin, twist, chant, cartwheel, shake poms, and build human pyramids, if the opportunity exists, there is likely going to be a cheerleading program of some sort going on somewhere.

" Two bits, four bits" may sound differently or even be worth more in another country (two bits was an old-fashioned way of referring to 25 cents). It has the same meaning, though. If you're supporting your team (football, cheer competition, or whatever) then "stand up and holler!"

Take a few moments at your next cheer competition to look around and picture the same thing happening all the way over in Helsinki, Finland. Then reflect on the fact that some young person there is having just as much fun as you are.