LEWISTON – The third-annual Kora Shrine Cheering Competition was held recently at Lewiston High School with over 20 high school cheering squads participating.

With 2,000 spectators in attendance, the cheering squad from Lewiston took first place in the large school category. Brewer High School won first place in the small school category.

“This is the largest crowd we have had to date,” noted event chairperson Deborah Loveless from Oxford Hills, who also serves as head Coach for the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic Cheerleaders in July.

The net proceeds of this competition are for the benefit of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass. This year the event raised over $5,500 to bring the 3-year total to more than $15,000.

“Coach Loveless has done a wonderful organizing this event, and it continues to grow each year,” said Tim Luttrell, a member of Kora Shriners and also an Associate Member of the Board at Shriners Hospitals in Springfield. “Our Springfield Hospital is very fortunate to have events like this supporting the kids.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment with no financial obligation to patients or families.

FMI about Shriners Hospitals for Children, call 1-800-237-5055.