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Blindness Doesn't Stop Sacramento Girl From Competitive Cheerleading

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A Sacramento cheer squad took top honors Sunday night at Memorial Auditorium. What made the group of girls top-notch wasn't just their technique, but their blind teammate.

Don't let the pom-poms fool you; behind the smiles of the Winters Warriors cheerleaders is a fierce competitive spirit -- young girls with grit.

"It's really special to me. I've known Olivia since I was in preschool," teammate Annie Ramos said.

No one is tougher than 12-year-old Olivia Baylor. She jumps for the judges like everyone else, even though she can't see. Baylor is 80 percent blind, and developmentally disabled. She moves by watching shadows amid the cartwheels and back flips.

"Every time I see her, I smile, because she makes me happy," cheerleader Hunter Freeman said.

There is no doubt there is a special bond on this team.

"She always makes us not nervous. So it's like she's always there for us," said Brooke Benson.

On this night, Baylor earned special praise at Memorial Auditorium, with an award any girl her age would love -- a gigantic spirit bear.

She's a 12-year-old girl with warrior spirit to make you smile.

The Winters Warriors finished first in the Capitol City Championship, which qualifies them for nationals.

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