The kids all have different abilities, which their coaches use to highlight each performer’s strength.
Husband and wife coaches David and Kristin Owens have been training the Empire Elite All-Star team for 8 seasons.
They’ve won the NCA Special Needs Championship since 2009.
“I’m extremely proud of them. They get mad when they lose, but really happy when they win,” said David.
The team says even though they won the title 5 years in a row, it doesn’t make it any less special.
“It felt exciting. I mean we’ve done it a lot,” said cheerleader Keegan. “It felt pretty amazing, because people from different teams were cheering us on and everything.”
She also says they’re like a family because like always work together.
“Just seeing those transformations and how far all of them have come not only as athletes, but as people is really, really cool,” said David. “You always leave practice with a smile on your face with these kids.”
The coaches say they enjoy seeing each athlete grow as a person.
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