Competitive Cheer became a Recognized Sport in March 2019 and offers competition for both Special Olympics traditional and Unified teams. Athletes can show their spirit in Routine and Game Day events through two levels of competition.
Participants will be divisioned by Special Olympics South Dakota by ability and number of squads registered for the competition.
This sport offers a Unified option. This gives individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities a chance to compete on the same team.

Levels of Competition
- Beginner – Competition shall consist of each squad of cheerleaders performing three cheers in a time limit of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Intermediate – Competition shall consist of each squad of cheerleaders performing a music routine as well as three cheers in a time limit of 2 minutes.
- Routines can consist of choreographed performances, yells, jumps, high kicks, somersaults, and gymnastics moves.
Competition Season
Cheerleading competition season takes place from January through March.
Upcoming Cheerleading Events
Northeast Area Basketball Tournament

Hamlin High School
Hayti,
SD
United States
+ Google Map
Black Hills Area Basketball Tournament

Rapid City Central High School
433 Mt Rushmore Rd
Rapid City, 57701 United States + Google Map
Rapid City, 57701 United States + Google Map
Southeast Area Basketball Tournament

Harrisburg High School
1300 E Willow Street
Harrisburg, SD 57032 United States + Google Map
Harrisburg, SD 57032 United States + Google Map