May 04, 2021 Memphis, Tenn., May 4, 2021 – Varsity Spirit – the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps and competitions, and a division of Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition – is pleased to announce that The Summit Championship and The Dance Summit Championship took place on April 30 – May 2, 2021 in Orlando, FL. The Summit Championship, founded by Varsity All Star in 2013, provides a unique experience for athletes to compete against the best of the best across all levels of competition. The Summit Championship and The Dance Summit Championship continue to grow offering multiple paths for teams to have a competitive, prestigious and celebratory end to their seasons. This past weekend, all star cheerleading and dance teams traveled from across the U.S. to compete in Orlando, FL at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Teams performed at The AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the first ever building dedicated to exclusively hosting cheer and dance events. The Summit Championship hosted over 900 teams and The Dance Summit Championship hosted nearly 250 teams. As the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, employees, families, and fans remains a top priority, the event was held in a modified format following the guidelines of the CDC, state and local authorities and Varsity Spirit’s Health and Safety team. Varsity All Star also rolled out five virtual Regional Summit Championships in 2021 that hosted over 550 teams. The virtual Regional Summit Championships offered programs the opportunity to compete against teams in their geographic region, and still “conquer the climb” closer to home. “Historically, over 1,500 teams attend The Summit Championship and Dance Summit Championship to conquer the climb and celebrate the end of their competition season. Due to COVID-19 last year, we had to cancel the event in Orlando, FL to protect the health and safety of the athletes, coaches, spectators and all involved,” said John Newby, Executive VP and General Manager of Varsity All Star. “We are thrilled to be back safely hosting this event alongside our proud partners at the Walt Disney World® Resort. It is an honor to showcase these amazing teams and create unforgettable experiences for young people while recognizing their hard work, dedication, and talent. We are incredibly grateful for the gym owners, coaches and parents for their unwavering loyalty and support.” Varsity All Star live streamed the event all weekend on Varsity TV, and videos of the routines are available for fans who were otherwise unable to attend. Full results, including division champions, are available on Varsity TV. About Varsity Spirit Memphis-based Varsity Spirit, the driving force behind cheerleading’s dynamic transformation into the high-energy, athletic activity it is today, is the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team and performing arts. A division of Varsity Brands, Varsity Spirit is a leader in uniform innovation, as well as educational camps, clinics and competitions, impacting more than a million athletes each year. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s employees have been dedicated to celebrating spirit through its brands since 1974. For more information about Varsity Spirit or Varsity Brands, please visit varsity.com or varsitybrands.com. About Varsity Brands With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these entities promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales. MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Zemlachenko Varsity Spirit ezemlachenko@varsity.com 901-251-5924
