slideshow

Ronnie Patrick is headed to the London Summer Olympics.

Not as a fan or an athlete.

But as a performer.

Patrick, a Huntington native and the grandson of former Logan area businessman Ron Patrick, was picked to be on an American cheerleading group which will be entertaining fans at the men’s Olympic basketball semifinals and finals.

Patrick, a Morehead State University student and male cheerleader, will perform with his all-star cheerleading group at halftime of the games with choreographed cheers, stunts and tumbling, and a routine during the halftime shows.

The group, sponsored by Varsity, is comprised of outstanding college cheerleaders and top instructors from throughout the United States, the birthplace of organized cheerleading.

The cheerleading group will be working closely with the Ascension Angels from the London Borough of Newham, coached by Angela Brown, who initially reached out to the group.

Organized cheerleading now has a foothold in more than 100 countries, and Great Britain has maintained a prominent presence in cheerleading in Europe.

“Being asked to perform in London this summer is a dream come true for all of us,” said Josh McCurdy, Director of Curriculum for Universal Cheerleaders Association, one of the Varsity training branches. “We have worked with teams all over the world, and are proud to showcase the talent of our athletes on such a large, global stage.”

Varsity, the worldwide leader in cheerleading training, was founded by Jeff Webb in 1974.

Each summer, Varsity staff train 350,000 cheerleaders and dancers in all aspects of spirit leading. Varsity is credited with transforming cheerleading with the addition of exciting, athletic and entertaining moves and routines, as well as National Competitions televised on ESPN and CBS Sports, and events at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Fla.

“We are thrilled to be bringing top notch athletes to the London to lead the crowd in cheering on the competitors,” said Jeff Webb, founder and CEO of Varsity. “As cheerleading makes strides to become an officially recognized sport, we welcome the opportunity to show the world what cheerleading is all about.”