Auerbach's Red Maniacs: Inclusion team rocks the European Championships in Ljubljana!

Auerbach's Red Maniacs: Inclusion team rocks the European Championships in Ljubljana!

The anticipation is huge: 22 young athletes from the Red Maniacs cheerleading team from Auerbach, Saxony, are making their way to the European Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, which will take place from June 27th to 29th, 2025. The inclusion team is the first German team to compete in this prestigious event, which represents a special step in the world of cheer sports. The Red Maniacs consist of 23 athletes, both with and without disabilities, and have qualified for the European Championships with full commitment after winning the German Championships. The team has been training hard over the last few weeks, rehearsing a new two-and-a-half-minute program that includes a mix of acrobatics, floor exercises and dance, precisely adapted to the European Championship conditions. Tagesschau reports that Auerbach has been a stronghold of cheerleading for over 20 years and the team, which has existed for ten years, is one of the few inclusive cheerleading teams in Germany.

But what are the challenges that this group of young athletes has to overcome? Participation in the European Championships is a financial hurdle: the total costs amount to around 20,000 euros, which amounts to around 700 euros per athlete. This sum includes travel, accommodation, food, entry fees and team clothing. To overcome this challenge, the Red Maniacs have launched an internet fundraiser that has already raised 14,000 euros. GoFundMe reports that the donations collected will flow directly into financing participation in the European Championships and an appeal will be made to support the athletes in order to make their dream come true.

The importance of inclusion

The club's board member Anne Tiepner emphasizes the special importance of the inclusion team's participation in the European Championships. The qualification is seen as evidence of true inclusion. Each team member has overcome setbacks and put a lot of passion into training to finally reach this pinnacle in cheerleading. Cheer sports explained, how important it is to promote diversity and team spirit in this sport and highlights the motivation and commitment of the athletes.

The Red Maniacs not only want to shine in the competition, but also set an example for inclusion in society. Cheerleading not only combines sporting elements, but also social aspects that build bridges. The team goes to Ljubljana with a clear goal: the joy of sport and the message that more is possible together.

In the coming days, we'll have to keep our fingers crossed for the Red Maniacs, because they not only represent their personal dreams, but also a strong symbol of community and diversity in sport!