Cheerleaders in sponsor plea (From Wiltshire Times)

Cheerleaders in sponsor plea

10:30am Thursday 26th July 2007 in Melksham By Charley Morgan

A GROUP of cheerleaders are desperately seeking sponsorship for costumes to help them the look the part.

Melksham's King's Park Primary School cheerleaders, known as the Sparks, have been together for two years and regularly open the school's summer fair.

They were also part of the town's carnival procession earlier this month and performed on the main stage at Party in the Park.

Beth Dark, who set up the 38-strong troupe, said: "We only have nine uniforms and it would really mean a lot to have them all in the same outfit.

"The friends of the school are already fundraising for a £10,000 piece of play equipment so we need to get sponsorship from a local business instead.

"Some of the parents have said they will buy an outfit for their own child but there are others who can't afford it and it makes them feel uncomfortable.

"This is meant to be a sport that they can do that doesn't cost a lot.

"The children are so supportive of each other and worked so hard for Party in the Park - they really act the part, now they just need to look the part."

Ms Dark needs about £700 to get the troupe matching leotards and skirts with the school's logo and the sponsoring company's logo on them, but she said the amount was negotiable.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Sparks should contact Beth Dark on (01225) 791193.