Dance group reach worlds
Wednesday July 30 2008
The unstoppable crew deserve every moment, as they have proved themselves champion fundraisers, as well as dancers.
Following their win at the Irish Hip Hop Crew Championships, Jacinta Cassidy and her dancers were left bitterly disappointed when they received no Government funding to help their champion crews ?Hoodrats? and ?Raw Edge? represent Ireland at the world championships.
This is despite their bronze win in 2007 at the Hip Hop World Cup in Germany.
Jacinta and the dancers? parents, determined not to disappoint the young dancers, launched a fundraising campaign.
Spurred on by a donation from Louth County Council, the dancers have packed bags in supermarkets every weekend for eight weeks, danced in the streets, approached all local politicians, councillors and businesses, and held benefit nights and raffles.
Despite their enthusiasm, they were on the verge of giving up hope of reaching the full target when Kentstown National School and St Philips NS provided encouragement and support and the young school children donated their pocket money.
The grateful dance crews visited the schools and performed in appreciation.
The media also turned up trumps to support the young champions, including all the local newspapers and LMFM radio station, who invited the youngsters to the studio, and an auction was held with the Drogheda United and Irish football squad donating signed jerseys and Marriott Hotel, Ashbourne, giving a weekend away.
This week Athboy businessman Leo McCormack kindly came to the rescue and provided the last ?3,000 for the trip.
Jacinta, the dancers and parents would like to thank all the Fit Kids/Fit Teens who gave up their summer weekends to bag pack and support their fellow dancers, the wonderful public and businesses for all the well wishes and contributions.
