By CHRISTINE CHEAH
alltherage@thestar.com.my

CHEERLEADING is one of the toughest sports you can get into. The secondary school teams that take part in Cheer train almost every day so they’ll have the strength and stamina to execute their routines perfectly.

And that’s why MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk deputy general manager Michael Ong says the brand has supported Cheer over the past few years – to help make sure the students get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active.

“Milk is probably the only near-complete balanced food that you can get, and MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk is pasteurised milk, which is better than those you get off the dry shelves,” said Ong.

All the cheerleaders at Cheer 2013 will get free MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk to help nourish them ahead of their big performances.

While there are some who choose to stay away from milk as they believe it will cause them to put on weight, Ong said that isn’t necessarily the case.

“Our product is called ‘MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk’ because obviously it is low in fat,” added Ong.

“Drinking a nutritional drink like milk will only bring benefits to your health.”

Apart from being able to promote the health benefits of milk to active teenagers, Ong said the amazing spirit displayed at Cheer also keeps the brand coming back every year.

“In other sports, you will see the audience cheering for their own team, but in Cheer everyone cheers for every team,” explained Ong. “It’s a very positive and energetic event, which is what we want to tell the audience (about our brand).”

While the partnership with Cheer is all about encouraging young people to keep drinking milk, Ong is quick to emphasise that the habit should be a lifelong one.

“Milk is important for people of all ages. I still drink milk myself every day!” said Ong.

Cheer 2013 is organised by R.AGE and presented by MARIGOLD HL Low Fat Milk. Silkygirl is the main sponsor and Sugus is the co-sponsor. Red FM is the official radio station.