Philly Youth Athletes, Cheerleaders Get To Compete Thanks To 'Champions Fund'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia sports fans suffering through dismal pro seasons can find solace in the city's youth leagues.

Dozens of young Philadelphia athletes and cheerleaders are having the weekend of their lives. They're members of the 16 teams competing for the national championship title in their respective leagues.

They get the opportunity to travel out of town with the help of the "Champions Fund."

Football mom Donna believes the only thing between her son's undefeated Pop Warner team, the Blackhawks, and a national title is air fare:

"It's Christmas and some people just don't have it, so we're just trying to get our kids there."

They got $10,000 in help from the Champions Fund, established by Mayor Nutter for just such cases.

"I want the children of Philadelphia to have these experiences, to represent," Nutter says, "and we can go up against anybody, anytime, anywhere, anyplace, any day of the week."

"I'm excited because it's my first time going down there with a team," Nadera Abdullah tells KYW Newsradio.

Nadera and the rest of the Blackhawks are in Florida. Coach Ron Flowers says they've earned it:

"They really worked hard all year and I believe they're prospering physically and mentally, in school and on the field."