Sakonnet Schooners Mighty Mites Cheer Squad Heading to Nationals in Florida

The Sakonnet Schooners cheerleading Mighty Mites squad has earned a well-deserved spot at the Pop Warner National Cheer Championship in Orlando, Florida.

After conquering the RISMA and state-level competitions, the team secured its national qualification at the regional level, where it will soon face off against eight other regions from across the country.

This is a significant milestone for the Sakonnet program, which last sent a team to nationals in 2013, when the Junior Pee Wee division placed fourth. The Mighty Mites squad has worked hard to follow in those footsteps with a strong performance that has the team eager to showcase its stunts and routines on the national stage.

Vicky Viveiros, the president of Sakonnet Schooners Cheer, couldn’t be prouder of the squad's journey so far.

"They are super excited,” Viveiros said. “When the team placed fourth before, they had a reduction of 1.5 points due to a technicality that wasn’t their fault. Without it, they would’ve placed second. This year, they’re thrilled to have another chance to show off their skills.”

The Mighty Mites team competes as a Level One small division squad, meaning it performs stunts suited to the cheerleaders' age and experience level, which ranges from eight to 10 years old. The girls have built a close bond that extends beyond just practice time, creating a supportive atmosphere for both athletes and their families.

“With this core of girls, there’s a great bond not just between them but also among the parents,” Viveiros said. “We love that we can keep them together longer, especially since most of them will have another year to compete.”

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In preparation for the trip to Florida, the Schooners are hosting multiple fundraisers to help cover expenses.

The lineup includes an online popcorn sale running from November 20-24, a bake sale at Lees Market, candy bar sales, and canning events at local businesses like Coastal Roasters and George’s Gas in Tiverton. The team is also organizing a sponsored t-shirt fundraiser for parents and staff to wear in Orlando and is currently seeking local businesses to host a spaghetti dinner and bingo night.

“All of the board members, coaches, and families are behind them 100 percent,” Viveiros said. “We are super proud of them as young athletes and all they’ve accomplished in such a short time. Watching them perform and seeing their dedication to fundraising has been nothing short of inspiring.”

The Sakonnet Schooners are not only heading to nationals with confidence but with the full support of their community cheering them on. As they gear up for the competition, one thing is certain – the SouthCoast will be rooting for the team to bring home the trophy.