After athletic careers as competitive cheerleaders, TRU Alumni Aly Bradford and Keri Lewis knew that they weren’t finished with the sport just yet. As former gymnasts, national level competitive all-star cheerleaders, coaches of the TRU cheerleading team and competitive local teams, they decided it was time to branch out.
After running summer cheer programs out of the Kamloops Christian School last summer, the girls opened a permanent location in September 2014 and Freeze Athletics was born.
Competitive athletes in competition.
Freeze Athletics is a cheerleading gym that runs competitive all-star cheerleading, recreational cheerleading and tumbling programs for all ages. The programs are broad and inclusive and the girls hope to introduce as many people as possible to the sport and develop each child in their program.
“If we can have even a small impact on a child’s ability to feel welcomed and important in something bigger than them, I think it has all been worth it. It’s an amazing experience to be a host for such a rare opportunity for young women in society today. I find that Cheerleading gives girls, even brand new with no experience, a chance to feel highly athletic and confident, skilled and like the star of a show while providing a healthy outlet for their sassy side,” said Bradford.
Not only do the coaches at Freeze Athletics love being part of the community, but the parents and athletes love it too.
“Being a part of cheer has built up my confidence. It has kept me focused and committed to all areas of my life. I feel cheer has taught me to stay determined and given me discipline while in a positive environment. I love my team as they have given me a sense of belonging.They are my family,” Emma – senior athlete.
Lewis, a Bachelor of Tourism Management grad, had never really planned on taking up coaching as a career path when she completed her degree at TRU in 2013.
“I never expected or aspired to be a cheerleading gym owner; it was just a natural progression and it’s too hard to say no to opportunities you are so passionate about,” said Lewis.
The biggest struggle so far with owning a business has been balancing everyday life with the stresses of entrepreneurship. Right now both girls still work full time jobs, Bradford works with children with special needs but Aly will be starting full time at the gym in September if fall numbers are strong.
Pro D day cheer camp at the Ice Palace – Kamloops
“Our greatest successes have been seeing our numbers grow and hearing people talk about Freeze and know who we are. We have been welcomed so overwhelmingly into the athletic community of Kamloops, we love being asked for demonstrations and seeing new faces at recruitment time. We know we are successful when you choose to put your child into classes with us- we appreciate it,” said Bradford.
Freeze Athletics summer camps (open to beginners) run June 29-July 3rd, and August 10-14. They are now open for registration for competitive team’s summer and fall training – beginners welcome! Ages 4 – adult.
To learn more check them out Online and on Facebook.
They are located at 970 Laval Cres. unit # 1…it’s called the Ice Palace!
