Lausanne (Switzerland), Oct 29 (NationPress) Following its inaugural appearance at the World Games this past August in Chengdu, China, cheerleading is actively pursuing a place within the Olympic Games, according to Jeff Webb, the President of the International Cheer Union (ICU).

The ICU is attending a three-day International Federations (IFs) Forum at the Olympic Museum, organized by SportAccord, where the International Olympic Committee (IOC), IFs, and forum partners convene to discuss the future of sports.

"We’ve been part of this forum for a decade. Approximately 70 sports participate, featuring attendees who are already part of the Olympic Games. These are the crown jewels, with some sports recognized by the IOC and others aiming for that status. This is a crucial opportunity for collaboration on topics of mutual interest," Webb stated.

Founded in 2004, the ICU was officially recognized by the IOC as the global governing body of cheerleading in 2021. It includes 121 national federations and represents over 10 million athletes worldwide, as reported by Xinhua.

A mixed Pom Doubles competition took place for the first time at the 2025 Chengdu World Games, where the United States claimed the gold medals.

"We achieved full recognition in 2021. The World Games are now part of our portfolio, and we are continuously advocating for our sport. This is a strong narrative for us," remarked Karl Olson, ICU's Secretary General.

Webb further commented, "We are striving for our inclusion here, aiming to be part of this as well. The World Games are just the beginning, and our ultimate aspiration is, of course, to be featured in the Olympic Games."

For numerous sports enthusiasts, cheerleading may appear primarily as a source of entertainment at games. However, it is an intricate sport that fuses elements of gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance. Initially intended to rally teams and engage the audience, cheerleading has evolved into a recognized competitive sport.

Cheerleading competitions adhere to stringent rules and criteria for team performances. A panel of judges evaluates teams based on their execution and the complexity of their routines.

"We assert that it is more than just a sport," Webb stated. "Its roots trace back to the sidelines, energizing the crowd. We have continuously sent coaches and instructors worldwide to aid in its growth. Within a decade, we aim to be substantial enough to establish our federation."

The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games have introduced new disciplines, including baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash.

"We were not recognized by LA28 during their selection process. However, we are optimistic about Brisbane 2032. We are collaborating with them as they seek to include sports that resonate with the youth. Is it entertaining? Is it visually appealing? Does it have significant television reach?" Webb explained.

"We are committed to ensuring our seriousness in this pursuit. We strive to educate the public on our athleticism," he added.