Disability News Service, Resources, Diversity, Americans with Disabilities Act; Local and National.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Sarah Cronk of The Sparkle Effect: creating cheerleading squads that include students with disabilities - VH1 Award winner

The Sparkle Effect co-founder Sarah Cronk took home the $100,000 grand prize at this year's VH1 Do Something Awards.
(A short video full of Sparkle Effect co-president Sarah Cronk's favorite moments with the Pleasant Valley Spartan Sparkles)

Sarah watched her older brother Charlie struggle to fit in during high school because of his disabilities. He was depressed and anxious, until the captain of the swim team invited him to join. Suddenly, the cool kids welcomed him, and he found a new group of friends. Inspired by Charlie, Sarah co-founded the first high school-based inclusive cheerleading squad in the nation. Today, The Sparkle Effect has generated 26 squads in 15 states and South Africa, encouraging a culture of acceptance in every community.

What is the Sparkle Effect?
This innovative student-run program encourages teens nationwide to include students with disabilities in high-school cheerleading programs. An on-line Quick-Start kit, grants for uniforms, and free on-site training makes starting a squad easy and fun! The result: students with disabilities experience true acceptance and gain confidence as high-school students inspire entire communities to embrace inclusion.

For The Sparkle Effect Visit: http://www.thesparkleeffect.org/

1 comment:

sparkle effect said...

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