what is cheer

Cheer can refer to a shout of applause or encouragement, or to the activity of organized cheerleading. Cheerleading is an activity in which participants cheer for their team as a form of encouragement, ranging from chanting slogans to intense physical activity. Cheerleading originated as an all-male activity in the United States and remains predominantly in America, with an estimated 3.85 million participants as of 2017. The global presentation of cheerleading was led by the 1997 broadcast of ESPNs International cheerleading competition, and the worldwide release of the 2000 film Bring It On. The International Cheer Union (ICU) now claims 116 member nations with an estimated 7.5 million participants worldwide. In addition to organized cheerleading, cheer can also refer to something that gives joy or gladness, encouragement, or comfort.