Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - An excited group of young people have been practicing nightly after school to prepare for this weekend's national cheer and dance competition, Copa de La Amistad C&D 2012, which is being held in Puerto Vallarta Saturday March 10th at the Centro de Convenciones.

Representing Puerto Vallarta is team "Cheer Fire" made up of approximately 30 energetic youth, broken into two categories: one Prepa (senior high school age) and one Open (for all ages.)

Certified gymnastics instructor and coach Alvaro Camera Ascencio, has fashioned local volunteers into fit competitors through sweat and some tears. They have no public funding nor their own workout location or equipment.

Four days per week they practice at the Los Sauces city park. Two days a week, team members pay their own admission to use the Pier Four School's gym near Nuevo Vallarta where proper equipment, such as tumbling mats, allows them to practice the more technical and risky routines: building human pyramids, jumps, etc.

Coach Ascencio possesses seven years experience as a gymnastics instructor and is certified as a national level gymnastics judge, as well as being a certified cheer leading coach.

The competition will represent rival teams from throughout Mexico, including Guadalajara, Tepic and Colima. The three-day gathering (March 9-11) allows visiting teams to know each other and Vallarta, become comfortable with the location, and practice prior to the matches.

The actual competition takes place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 10th. Additionally, the participating athletes will enjoy classes and clinics put on by visiting professionals. There will also be a closing ceremony and fiesta.

The public is cordially invited to attend and cheer on the participants. Admittance is $200 pesos if pre-purchased by Wednesday and $250 Pesos at the door. The address is: Central de Convenciones, Paseo De Las Flores #505, Col. Villa Las Flores, Puerto Vallarta (in the general area of Marina Vallarta.)