Oki Trihartono, chairman of the Indonesian Cheerleaders` Community, said here Thursday he would be leading a 17-strong Indonesian contingent at the event to be participated in by 30 countries.
The Indonesian cheerleaders would show their skills for 2.5 minutes in the event, Oki said, adding that despite minimum support from the government and private parties, his team was optimistic it would perform optimally and earn honor for the country.
"We are ready to fight. We have conducted auditions since October 2010 and selected the team members in April 2011. We have continued training until a day before departure ," he said.
In the mixed cheerleading event, Indonesia would compete with participants from 11 countries, namely Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Ecuador, Germany and Russia.
On paper although no target is set the Indonesian team is expected to be able to enter the big nine or at best rank fifth, Oki said.
When asked about Indonesia`s rivals, Oki admitted their skills were better but in general they were not yet superior in the basic cheerleading techniques. "So we have been stressing the basic techniques to be able to rival them," he said.
He said among the technical obstacles faced by the national team was the physical factor of the athletes who are smaller compared to those of their rivals from Europe, Singapore and Thailand. The other factor is their minimum gymnastic capability which is an important capital for the championship, he said.
"The two factors are vital and so it is difficult for us to try more complicated skills," he said.
Citing a non-technical obstacle Oki said problems in collecting the 17 athletes. He said they are not professional athletes but students from high schools, universities, cheerleading coaches and from among office workers.
He said other problems was lack of support from the government or private parties in terms of fund. "All the cost for training, costumes and travels come from own pockets plus from some sponsors," he said.
Since February 2005, the ICC has become a member of the International Federation of Cheerleading (IFC). The IFC`s mission is making cheerleading being recognized as one of the sport branches across the world.
The world cheerleading championship has been done five times so far namely in Tokyo (2001), Manchester, the UK (2003), Tokyo (2005), Helsinki, Finland (2007) and Bremen, Germany (2009).
Indonesia first took part in the event in 2009 sending a five-member Female Group Stunt team.
(T.A024/H-YH/HAJM/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
