Woman With Cerebral Palsy Performs Incredible Cheerleading Routine With Help From Team

Feb 21, 2019 by apost team

Debbie Threlfo, a cheerleader with cerebral palsy, played a huge role in helping her team win a competition.

Plus, Debbie's role as a cheerleader offers inspiration to other people with disabilities. Debbie lives in Newcastle, Australia where she belongs to a cheer squad known as the Oxygen All Stars Lithium team.

Debbie's medical condition is responsible for her confinement to a wheelchair. But she does not allow her disability to get in the way of her dreams. Debbie is a strong competitor as a member of the Special Ability branch belonging to the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation.

A video featuring Debbie Threlfo and her team members went viral when it was published on a social media website in 2016, with currently over 9 million views! Debbie was 26-years-old when the video was produced. She suddenly experienced celebrity status as a spokesperson for people who live with serious disabilities.

According to the Daily Mail, In an interview with Australia's "Today" ,Debbie said becoming a cheerleader has always been her dream. She said that she had serious doubts about whether her abilities would satisfy the team's strict requirements, but she was determined regardless.

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Debbie went on to explain that she then found out that the AASCF had a special ability division offering her a chance to try out as a member of the team. After she succeeded in becoming a cheerleader, Debbie began to train with a personal coach.

Plus, her teammates were eager to help her practice on a regular basis. Debbie's team won the Special Ability Champions title in 2016. Her title showed the world that people with disabilities have many talents they can share with others.

Stephen James is the executive director of AASCF. He told reporters that AASCF wanted to include athletes with disabilities, also referred to as "special abilities," as members.

He said that including athletes with special abilities enable them to attain improved physical fitness while developing more willpower. James mentioned that these athletes are able to have successful experiences and form friendships with their peers.

James also mentioned that the Special Ability teams enjoy their team memberships. He said that they appreciate the respect they receive from community residents. James mentioned that the athletes are able to fit right in with others who do not have disabilities.

Debbie Threlfo wants people to know that they should listen to their dreams regardless of their disabilities. What do you think about her efforts to become a cheerleader despite her circumstances? Do you know of any similarly inspiring stories? Let us know in the comments - and feel free to pass this along to your friends and family!