“Stay strong and keep pushing. . .”
CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR FEATURE: SOPHIE MATTES
The CHEERFIT ambassador community is filled with leaders and motivators who all share a passion for fitness, love for cheering and drive to help inspire others.
Our ambassadors share with us their personal stories and obstacles they overcome along the way. We have an amazing community of athletes who fuel their passion and determination with the CHEERFIT lifestyle.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AND HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
I have many chronic illnesses and health issues which always made me and others think cheerleading was not possible for me. I have Elhers Danlos Syndrome which is the “glue” that holds your body together is too stretchy and causes dislocations, pain, other health issues and many more things. I also have a paralyzed stomach (gastroparesis), orthostatic intolerance which means my blood pressure doesn’t stabilize well and means I can often go lightheaded and also am deaf in my right ear. Everyone always told me that cheerleading isn’t something that’s possible and that it’s too dangerous and I won’t be able to physically do it.
I didn’t care and did it anyway.
By doing that, I’ve learnt that anything really is possible if you just try and put everything into it, whilst making adaptations that work for you. Having a supportive team has helped me a lot and given me a new family. It’s helped to remind me that you can never give up on your goals regardless of what obstacles are put in your way.
Fitness is important regardless of health because it helps keep everything moving and I really notice when I haven’t had cheer or any form of exercise. I notice my health deteriorates and my mood goes down too.
– CHEERFIT Ambassador Sophie Mattes
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY VOLUNTEER OR NONPROFIT AND HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE OTHERS?
I am part of many groups for my conditions where we help and support each other through everything as we understand each other. I make YouTube videos to help support those out there to remind them they are not alone.
Anything is possible in life. Obstacles are just the stepping stones to achieve things you never even thought you would do or were possible. It makes us stronger and teaches us about life. Put your mind to whatever you want to achieve and don’t stop till you get there no matter how hard it may seem. It’s worth it.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
I recently got my back walkover back, which for me is massive as tumbling is really hard for me due to my weak joints. I’ve also been asked to try out for our level 4 team which is big too!!
I’ve also managed to carry on working through all my health problems which is massive as it’s been a really bumpy journey!!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?
My favorite part would definitely be the community and second family it brings with it. The positivity that you receive from each and every person really rubs off on you and you get to then put that positivity out there to everyone else.
HOW HAS BEING AN AMBASSADOR HELPED YOU?
Being an ambassador has helped me stay motivated on the days I feel like I just can’t and helped me build the confidence to become a leader.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BECOME A CHEERFIT AMBASSADOR?
It will change your outlook and motivation on everything in life for the better and you’ll get the most amazing supportive family you could have wished for, so sign up today! Let’s make keeping fit easier and more fun whilst spreading motivation together.
WHAT 3 THINGS ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CHEER BAG?
Body Spray
Wrist Supports (life savers for tumbling)
Pictures of my family so if I feel down I can remember who I keep on going for.
FAVORITE SONG TO JAM OUT TO DURING A SWEAT SESH:
Power by Little Mix
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE?
Core/Ab exercises
FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE?
Stay strong and keep pushing as the obstacles you are given are just stepping stones to achieve things you never thought possible.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:
I make YouTube videos about chronic illness, mental health, cheerleading and well anything my heart desires.
If I could move to America and live there tomorrow . . .I would. It’s always been a dream to move there. It’s just finding a job, money and getting a visa.
I work in a coffee shop but don’t like coffee or even tea (shhh!!)
My dog thinks he owns my bed and is nice enough to sometimes let me in 😂
I know American Sign Language even though I’m British and live in Britain 🇬🇧 And I love the programme Switched at Birth
I am one of the most stubborn people you’ll meet which is good . . .most the time 🙂
One day I want to act in a TV series
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Life isn’t easy but we are all in it together. So fight for what you want and love and support each other in the things they want to do as well. When we stick together we are unstoppable.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Sophie! Despite the physical challenges you faced, you have an amazing outlook on life and your energey and passion is so contagious! We hope to follow your cheer journey and that you continue to spread the power of CHEERFIT and fitness throughout the UK. . .xo #CHEERFITstrong
Stay FIT <3,
your CHEERFIT team
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