A troupe of baton twirlers are on a fundraising mission to twirl their way across the pond.
Members of Unique Baton Twirlers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds so that they can travel to America to compete in an international competition at Disneyland.
The determined west Leeds team need to raise £10,000 so that ten members of the squad can showcase their skills at Twirl Mania in Orlando.
The youngsters, aged between five and 16, have to raise £1,000 each to battle against other countries at the competition in 2014.
Coach Corrin Pitchard said: “It means the world for them to go.
“I think for most of them its about the sense of achievement because they have been singled out to go.
“It still doesn’t seem real but it is a good opportunity for them. They are all really excited.”
Dedicated Corrin, 20, took up baton twirling when she was eight.
She loved the sport so much that she set up her own club in Farnley before she moved to her current Wortley premises.
For the last four years she has taught youngsters at their West Leeds Sports and Social Club base – as well as juggling a full-time job at a letting agents.
Corrin, from Farnley, has also received an extra helping hand from her 15-year-old sister Sophie to help co-ordinate the fundraising.
She added: “I think I am just as excited as they are.
“They are going to where baton twirling came from and showing that people from around here can go out and make something of themselves.
“It shows they can be given opportunities like this to prove that all of their hard work and effort is being rewarded.
“It’s just like a big family really.”
The girls have already signed themselves up to pack bags in local supermarkets and they recently held a fun day to raise hundreds of pounds towards their target.
The group are appealing to local businesses to sponsor them and they are organising a special fundraising Halloween party at the social club on Saturday, October 27, at 7.30pm.
For more information about how to help email: uniquebatontwirlers@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.uniquebatontwirlers.co.uk
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