Ouch... 🧑💻
Varsity Brands data breach, showcase recap + upcoming ones, film about Irish cheerleading & more headlines from around the world!
We’re back! Due to unforeseen circumstances, we couldn’t send out the newsletter last week 😢
Today is therefore a combination of last week’s news + the latest!
In today’s newsletter:
Varsity Brands data breach (impacts 65,000 people)
Showcase recap & upcoming ones
Cheerleader competed alone after the team quit
Film about ‘the glam world of Irish cheerleading’
University of Cape Town cheer team’s rise to success
Latest results + upcoming competitions
& more!
Varsity Brands Data Breach Impacts 65,000 People
Varsity Brands has suffered a data breach affecting more than 65,000 people.
The company apparently detected unusual activity on May 24 this year and quickly took action.
Despite claiming that only a "small subset" of files was accessed, the exposed data was significant enough to impact so many people:
“The investigation showed that the intruder obtained “a small subset of company files” that stored personal information.
Varsity told the Maine AGO that over 65,000 individuals have been impacted and they have been offered free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for 24 months.”
Showcase recap & upcoming ones
Powerhouse gyms like Cheer Extreme and The California All Stars had their showcases this weekend - and to sum it up:
Tip: you can find videos on Twitter/X of all major teams, just by searching for the gym and team name.
Which teams have impressed you the most so far? Comment below this newsletter 💬
Don’t miss upcoming showcases with our list!
Plus, we’ll include information about live streams when available so that you won’t miss a thing.
Help us add more dates: Reply to this email or comment below with the date, gym name & location (+ livestream if any).
Any gym in any country is welcome!
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🌍 AROUND THE WORLD
Brave cheerleader competes all alone at the state championship after squad quits: ‘It felt amazing’ [Scoop Upworthy]
“Katrina Kohel's story of courage and determination has struck a chord with many people around the world. When the 17-year-old Morrill High School senior was left without teammates just days before the Nebraska State Cheerleading Championship, she refused to give up and instead chose to compete alone.“
It reminded us of this story 🥹 What incredible athletes we have in this sport!
Film gives glimpse into the glam world of Irish cheerleading [Echo Live]
“This surprising and uplifting coming-of-age film follows the young female - and male - athletes of Team Ireland to intimately explore questions of gender, strength, performance, sexuality, and what it’s like growing up in the world today.“
Flying high: UCT cheerleading team’s rise to success [University of Cape Town News]
“In just over a year, the University of Cape Town (UCT) Cheerleading Club has emerged as a formidable force in South African cheerleading. Crowned "cheerleaders that rock" during the Varsity Cup rugby tournament, the team has since competed nationally, earning accolades for their performances at major events.“
Did we miss something? Reply to this email & we'll include it next time!
🏆 COMPETITIONS
LATEST RESULTS & BIDS:
ICU World Games Series (China), DCE Nationals NSW (Australia), Cheercon Champions League WA (Australia), CheerBrandz Australasian Majors (Australia), JAMZ Reload (California).
UPCOMING COMPETITIONS:
AASCF Spring Carnival VIC (Australia), Cheercon Champions League NSW (Australia), CheerBrandz Super Nationals VIC (Australia), Aussie Gold QLD State Championships (Australia), UCA Ohio Regional (Ohio), Cheer Power San Antonio Halloween Challenge (Texas), JAMZ Fall Fest (California), Xtreme Spirit Spooktacular Showcase (Illinois), NCA South Texas Regional (Texas).
We can't cover all competitions - for more, we suggest CheerTheory & Varsity TV (not sponsored).
💭 POLL OF THE WEEK:
Which teams have impressed you the most so far at showcase? Comment below!
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