Write a commentAmber Uzailko-Raymond came from a Pop Warner background and when COVID had its highest numbers in 2020, she was running a small Pop Warner Cheer Clinic.
She joked about starting her own company that would better serve the community. But not only her community, but she also wanted to serve the entire Oswego County area. The joke turned into reality when a number of parents came to her and her husband, Andrew Raymond, and told them their children would benefit more from the type of non-profit program they had been talking about. Once the proper paperwork was filed, community relationships built and a number of mini fundraisers, cheer camp was on. Cheer camp started with over 50 participants from ages 3-18. Following all Covid guidelines, the camp was held outside. These 50 participants were not just from her own community, they came from all over the county. There were even some from other counties as well. The interest in a program that catered to the needs of the children was overwhelming.
Tryouts were held and the half-year teams started in January. Participants were from different backgrounds, different towns, all with their own unique personalities, and made up the Youth Glitter Bombs and Senior Black Ops teams. Seasoned coaches were brought in, all who volunteered. There were ups and downs going through cheer basics with many new to the sport and the constant changes due to the COVID Pandemic. If not for the community and people like Mark and Nikki of Hunter Construction, Alice and Justin of All Wheel Auto and Rob from Core Athletics inside practice areas would not have been made possible. They made the dream a reality.
Even though all the changes COVID was bringing on a daily basis, both teams went through both Virtual Competitions to In-Person Competitions without a hitch. The teams received a number of first-place finishes and some of the season's best scores. Even though the teams compete to become 1st "winners" the main goal of Xtreme Cheer is to walk on that mat as a team and walk off that mat as a team. By the second In-Person Competition, they had that family bond they've been working toward all season long. This bond makes them the amazing cheerleaders they are.
When asked why she left Mexico Pop Warner after 8 years, Amber Uzailko-Raymond's reply was simple. “The only thing I can say is that I did it because I wanted more. When the world shut down these kids had nothing. There was no school, no sports and they needed something in their lives. It was always my dream to start a program that was affordable for families in this area. I created the program for many reasons. I did it for the kids that I have worked with for years, I did it for the new kids, I did it for the community. But the most important is, we are the true definition of family. It always brings a tear to my eye knowing that everyone is here as a volunteer for the love of the sport and giving what we can to the community. It's the most amazing feeling ever.”
If interested in joining this amazing team, we have a Summer Clinic coming up that will run from June 14th to August 1 at the Mexico Volunteer fire dept only $40 for the entire session! A mini-performance at the end and everyone gets a bow! For more information reach out to xtremecheerofoc@hotmail.com and or 315-591-1275 and ask for Amber.
