Joanna, 24, left a request for help in the Women’s Room – A happy surprise followed

Joanna Remes, 24, decided to try the power of grouping in the Women’s Room. This is a large, closed group on Facebook.

Remes is a two-time cheerleading world champion. This year, however, he was left without scholarships. The biggest event of the season, which costs around 3,000 euros, awaits at the end of April, when the sport’s World Cup medals are contested in Orlando, Florida.

– I organized a similar small collection last year. The idea started from the fact that I myself have to pay the expenses for both the national team and the club team.

Remes, who represents Helsinki Athletics Cheerleaders, lives like a top athlete without being paid for playing sports.

– In addition to the World Cup trip, the season includes one European Championship trip for the club team. In addition, there are camps with the club and national team on weekends. The national team will have eight Vierumäki camps during the season.

He set up the small collection on January 15.

– Every stone has to be turned over, and it’s off to a really good start. I am surprised and happy about it. It would be great if many people would donate a small amount, and it would add up to a big pot.

– 800 euros have come in so far.

Little Finland

In April 2018, a historic moment was experienced in Orlando. For the first time, the world cheer championship was won by someone other than the United States. It was Finland.

That started a huge streak. Finland celebrated the adult world championship four years in a row (2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

It was only last year that the United States managed to grab the highest podium back for itself. Finland took silver.

– I’m sure many people have wondered how such a small country can become such a good women’s national team. Sometimes you hear questions about whether Finland is even a country, Remes laughs.

How in the world has Finland come to be next to the country of origin and greatness of the sport?

– It shows years of long-term work. The Yankees have invented the sport, but the Finns have set out to create their own style. It has been understood that it is not worth doing things the same way as the United States.

– In addition, the Finnish national team puts a lot of effort into more than sports skills. Mental training plays a big role. We know how to train sensibly and not just hard, Remes opens.

Full hand

Training, training and training. There’s just not much else to fit into Remes’ week.

– I work during the day, and after that I go straight to training and then to sleep. The next day the same thing happens again.

There are three club team practices a week, two national team stunt group practices, and on top of that, independent gym practices.

– And the camps are on weekends. For them, you often have to take Friday and Monday off work.

– In terms of recovery, studying would certainly be a better option alongside the sport, but on the other hand, it cannot finance cheerleading. Quite a few students pay their sports expenses with a student loan.

Remse’s role is a rear lifter, which requires strength and coordination.

There are still years of competition ahead. He has one clear goal in mind, which he has not yet managed to achieve.

– I stop when the sport takes more than it gives. That hasn’t happened yet. I would definitely like to achieve cheerleading’s full hand: World Championship, European Championship and Championship gold in the same year.