Without Limits: Team Galaxy Clinches World Championship Victory at Disney World Resort
Members of Without Limits: Team Galaxy along with coaches and Mascoutah Mayor Pat McMahan showed off hardware from their world championship cheering win.
Mascoutah — Mascoutah-based Special Olympics cheer team, Without Limits: Team Galaxy, led by head Coach Lisa Elbe, recently triumphed at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, FL from April 24 to the 26. Winning gold in both the hip-hop and pom divisions, they captivated hearts and inspired communities, showcasing the power of perseverance and inclusivity in sports.
Reflecting on the recent achievements of her team at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships Coach Elbe shared her sentiments, “I’m just so proud of the hard work that they put into going to the national championships and being able to represent not only Special Olympics and USA but our local hometowns here in Southern Illinois.”
The journey began when the Without Limits Team Galaxy was chosen to represent the Special Olympics division for USA Cheer. Elbe described the momentous occasion, “Our team was chosen last October to be part of the USA Cheer team. So we are going to represent the Special Olympics division for USA Cheer.”
The culmination of their hard work came at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, where the team clinched gold medals in both the Special Olympics hip-hop and pom divisions. Their victory was a testament to their talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A crowd gathered in front of the Mascoutah Public Library to cheer on the team, which was led in the parade by firefighters and Mayor Pat McMahan.
Beyond their achievements on the competition floor, the Without Limits Team Galaxy extends their cheerleading prowess to community events, spreading joy and support wherever they go. Elbe highlighted their involvement, “We do a lot of community support events… wherever people need cheerleaders and need some cheer and spirit.”
In recognition of their remarkable achievements, the Without Limits Team Galaxy was honored with a parade and a proclamation from the mayor. The celebration was a testament to their contributions to the community and their embodiment of the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity.
Volunteers and members of Without Limits Team Galaxy rode in the back of a truck as people cheered them, while they drove in the parade, meeting at the stage afterwards for the celebration and proclamation reading.
As the team revels in the euphoria of their recent triumphs, they remain steadfast in their mission to inspire and uplift others. Elbe invites those interested in joining or supporting the Without Limits Team Galaxy to reach out, stating, “Anybody’s interested in helping volunteer coach or to join our team, they can contact me.”
Elbe can be contacted at (618) 719-3140 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
The celebration of the Without Limits Team Galaxy’s achievements is not just about the medals won but about the bonds forged, the barriers overcome, and the lives touched. Their journey serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of sports and the unyielding spirit of determination that resides within each member of the team. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.withoutlimits-teamgalaxy.com/
Below is the full proclamation Mayor Pat McMahan read at the celebration:
WHEREAS, athletic competition promotes cooperation and teamwork, and builds individual character; and
WHEREAS, the rhythm of cheer and the harmony of unity intertwine to create an anthem of inclusion and inspiration; and
WHEREAS, these qualities are exemplified by the 25 Athletes on Team USA Cheer Special Olympics Traditional Hip Hop and Pom; and
WHEREAS, Team USA Cheer Special Olympics Traditional Hip Hop and Pom performed competitively at the 2024 International Cheer Union World Cheerleading Championships representing the United States; and
WHEREAS, Team USA Cheer Special Olympics Traditional Hip Hop and Pom placed First Place World Champions in both Hip Hop and Pom; and
WHEREAS, these champions have soared beyond barriers, illuminating the world with their radiance and resilience; and
WHEREAS, the Community of Mascoutah do hereby affirm our boundless admiration and profound gratitude to our extraordinary Special Olympics Cheer World Champion Team.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Pat McMahan, Mayor of the City of Mascoutah, Illinois do hereby proclaim that this proclamation stands as a testament to their greatness, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come and urge all citizens to personally and publicly congratulate each individual athlete of Team USA Cheer Special Olympics Traditional Hip Hop and Pom for their outstanding accomplishments. Furthermore, the City of Mascoutah recognizes the teams contagious spirit transcends gold medals, for they are champions of the human spirit, champions of inclusion, and champions of boundless possibilities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Mascoutah to be affixed, this 3rd day of May in the year of Our Lord two thousand twenty-four.
