There is an almost symbolic connection between what this sport represents and what Israeli society needs today," said Ludmila Yasinskaya-Demari, team manager and founder of the Israel Cheer Union.
Israel will participate in the 2026 Cheerleading World Championships, which will take place from April 22 to April 24 in Orlando, US, for the first time in its history, the Israeli Cheer Union announced on Tuesday.
The competition, to be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Disney, is organized by the International Cheer Union, the official global governing body of the sport.
Ludmila Yasinskaya-Demari, team manager and founder of the organization, said, “The very first participation of Israel’s national team in a Cheerleading World Championship is a significant moment, especially during such a challenging time for Israeli society."
"There is an almost symbolic connection between what this sport represents and what Israeli society needs today. The girls are not only training and performing, but they also carry a message of resilience, perseverance, and the ability to keep moving forward even when things are not simple,” she added.
The organization was founded three years ago and quickly gained popularity among Israelis, with currently around 15 clubs and hundreds of athletes among its members. It also achieved recognition by the International Cheer Union (ICU) and the European Cheer Union (ECU).
Israel will present three teams for the competition: a team of 18 athletes aged 12 to 14 in the POM category, a type of dance that's used when cheerleading, along with two doubles pairs teams.
The schedule was also shared by the Union: The qualification round will take place on April 22, with semi-finals on April 23 (along with some of the finals), and the final and medal ceremony on April 24.
“For a young dancer, cheerleading opens the door to a highly competitive world, and even to a potential Olympic future. It is a significant stepping stone connecting art and competitive sport. Beyond that, it is a process that builds character, strengthens self-confidence, and teaches teamwork, mutual support, and stability under pressure,” Yasinskaya-Demari explained.
Cheerleading is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, recognized by the International Olympic Committee and in the process of being incorporated into the upcoming Olympic Games.