All abilities Cheer Team Shimer
For Olivia’s Gold Award, she created “All abilities Cheer Team Shimer," an inclusive cheerleading program designed to give children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports. Inspired by watching her best friend, who has Down syndrome, thrive as a member of her cheer team. Olivia recognized that many children with disabilities do not have access to similar experiences.
The goal of the project was to create a welcoming environment where participants could build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. Olivia hoped to recruit at least five athletes and compete in a cheer competition.
Although several families initially expressed interest, attendance became a major challenge. Despite extensive outreach through community organizations, churches, and special needs programs, very few participants attended practices. Rather than allowing the project to end there, Olivia adapted to her plan and included two athletes with special needs who were already teammates of hers on the Sheboygan North High School Cheer Team.
The athletes learned cheerleading skills, practiced routines, and ultimately competed at Elkhorn High School on January 31, 2026. Their performance earned first place in the exhibition division, giving them the opportunity to be celebrated and supported by the crow
Through this project, Olivia demonstrated leadership, perseverance, communication, and empathy. She successfully created an inclusive opportunity for athletes with disabilities and showed that participation in sports should be accessible to everyone. The program will continue beyond her involvement through the support of the Sheboygan North High School Cheer Team and Coach Stephanie Weber, ensuring that future athletes can experience the same opportunities for inclusion and growth.
In addition to spreading cheer through dance, Olivia was honored with a special invitation to join the Brewers at American Family Field, where she was recognized for earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. We are so proud of you, Olivia, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things that you'll accomplish next!
