Cheerleading Camp Honors Spirit Of Jessica Ridgeway

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4)- Her spirit and enthusiasm live on through cheerleading. This summer marks the third summer of Legacy Cheerleading Camps named for Jessica Ridgeway.

Jessica was kidnapped and murdered while walking to school in Westminster in October 2012.

Jessica's mother, Sarah Ridgeway, created the camp to provide a low-cost option for young girls to experience one of the things Jessica had wanted to do most: become a cheerleader.

She says even though her daughter isn't there physically jumping and twirling, her spirit is there, ""I know she's floating above them helping them and watching them too. Kind of a mixture of both sad that she's not there but happy that we're able to have this for kids that can't normally afford it."

Sarah established the cheerleading camp in her daughter's memory after the 10-year-old was kidnapped while walking to school. Her body found days later.

Each summer more than 100 girls, ages 6 to 12, have gathered to spend one week doing what Jessica loved. Campers pay $35 for the week.

The girls at the camp are happy to remember Jessica as they perform their routines.

"I think it's a nice way to remember her and her name. I think it's really nice to do it in her honor," said cheerleading camp participant Sydney Troeger, age 9.

"It's extending her legacy and legacy means life, so life is in each one of these kids," said Sarah.

LINK: Jessica Ridgeway's Legacy Cheerleading Camp

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