Mitey-Mites cheerleaders set sights on Orlando bowl

The West Plains Pop Warner Mitey-Mites cheerleading squad will show its spirit and spunk at the Mitey-Mite Bowl at the ESPN Center in Orlando, Fla., in December.

The 7- to 9-year-olds who make up the team are friends who have a lot of fun, said Taryn Norton, mother of two of the cheerleaders. Since September they have practiced twice a week, cheered for their West Plains Pop Warner Eagles every Saturday during the regular season and are now cheering at playoff games.

“They’re really good at teamwork and working together. They’re excitable and full of energy,” she said.

This is the first year Pop Warner has invited cheerleaders to the annual event. But, the opportunity carries a large price tag. Airfare, hotel, food and other expenses for the squad will cost about $15,000.

Team members and parents are working hard to raise the money. Starbucks has donated gift baskets and the girls have sold raffle tickets during football games and recently sold raffle tickets to shoppers at Wal-Mart. On Sunday, fundraising will continue at a Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament at Northern Quest Resort and Casino.

“The girls really enjoy fundraising and telling people about the chance to go to Florida,” Norton said.

Donations to help send the cheerleaders to Florida can be mailed to the West Plains Pop Warner Association, P.O. Box 508, Cheney, WA 99004. For more information call Rachel Bigelow at (509) 768-5677 or email Cheer@westplainspopwarner.org.