Two young Israelis, Mili and Romi, reached the final of the ICU European Performance Cheer Doubles Championships in Heraklion, Crete, The Jerusalem Post reports. Competing in the Youth Pom Doubles category, they earned a place among the 10 finalists from a field of 31 pairs from across Europe. The championships brought together more than 1,100 participants from 24 countries.

It was Israel's first appearance at the championships since cheerleading was officially recognized as a sport in the country and the Israeli Cheerleading Union became its national governing body, The Jerusalem Post reports. Israel sent four pairs in all, competing in the youth and senior categories.

The result follows years of work to build the sport in Israel, set up a competitive framework and get athletes ready for international competition, according to The Jerusalem Post. Cheerleading combines athleticism, strength, flexibility, precision, coordination and teamwork, and the paper reports it continues to grow in Israel.

Dr. Lyudmila Yasinska-Demri, founder and professional director of the Israeli Cheerleading Union, called it "an exciting and meaningful moment for all of us." She said the union received official recognition this year and reached the final at its very first European Championships as a recognized governing body. "Mili and Romi's achievement shows that Israel has talented athletes who can compete at the highest levels in Europe," she said, adding that the union is proud of all the athletes representing Israel and will keep working to develop the sport and win more international success.

The Jerusalem Post reports the final marks an early competitive achievement for the new union as it works to raise the next generation of athletes and strengthen Israel's presence in international cheerleading. A small team, a new sport and an Israeli flag in the final: that is a good week.