Hikari

    In the 2010s, cheerleading began spreading in The Netherlands. However, the sport developed without the support of a federation and practices differed widely across clubs. Thus, Jeroen Westerbeke, Christina Akinshina, Leonie de Mulder, later joined by Sanne van Nieuwenhuijze, created an association together in Rotterdam, focusing on safety, perfection before progression, and inclusivity.

    They named it "Hikari", meaning “light” in Japanese (光), as a reference to their willingness to offer a safe space to everyone. The club slowly developed, albeit in the context of COVID-19 restrictions. From 2020 to 2024, Hikari collaborated with the American School of The Hague (ASH) in Wassenaar and Jaqui Lester, the cheerleader coach.

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    Over the years, the club trained in various places from facilities of the Circus School to the training hall of RUSH World in Rotterdam Zuid, where an increasing number of athletes started training. We believe this growth was made possible by a continuous focus on the association's historical values, its openness and collaborations, as well as the cheerleading community. The club was rewarded for that matter at UCA camp 2021, by winning the “spirit stick” for being the most cheerful club on and off the mat and supporting other teams.

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    Today, as Hikari counts several dance and cheerleading teams in Rotterdam, the reliance on values has never been more important to maintain cohesion across the association. Through motivation and commitment, we strive to convey the following values to all Hikari members