ZTA sponsors cheer event at YSU

YOUNGSTOWN — A total of 65 cheerleading teams will converge on Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center on Oct. 28.

They’ll be here to take part in the seventh annual Zeta Tau Alpha Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic.

The event is a cheer and dance exhibition to raise money for Zeta Tau Alpha’s philanthropy — breast cancer awareness, research and education.

The effort has raised more than $150,000 for that cause since its inception, netting some $50,000 last year alone. The goal for this year is $65,000.

Cheer teams from Peewees through high school participate. It’s not a competition but more of a demonstration with critiques offered of each group’s performance.

Most of the teams are from the tri-county area although this year’s event has drawn a team from Ontario, Canada.

Competitive teams use the classic as a dress rehearsal they prepare for their competitive season. Noncompetitive teams use the opportunity to showcase their talent outside of the athletic games setting.

It’s sponsored by the Youngstown Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter and YSU’s ZTA Collegiate Chapter.

The Alumnae Chapter was named the top chapter in the country at the 2006 Zeta Tau Alpha biannual national convention.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and will include a “Walk of Survivors” at 12:15 p.m. All survivors of breast cancer are invited to participate.