Cheer competition canceled after stage backdrop blows over, leaving 1 seriously injured

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) — A cheer competition in South Carolina was canceled after high winds knocked down a stage backdrop and seriously injured someone.

F&T Championships was scheduled to host the Beach Battle Nationals at The Hangout in Myrtle Beach this past weekend.

F&T Championships said the event faced bad weather conditions throughout the weekend, including high winds that forced delays and schedule changes.

Those challenges came to a head on Sunday when the wind knocked down a structural backdrop on the stage, which fell on an event staff member, F&T Championships said.

The staff member suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. Their condition was not immediately known.

None of the athletes or their families were injured, according to the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

The fire marshal and Myrtle Beach police directed F&T Championships to discontinue the event.

“While we are deeply disappointed for our athletes, families and programs, the safety of every participant and attendee is our highest priority,” Rebecca Sherman, owner of F&T Championships, said. “Given the circumstances and the direction from local authorities, continuing the event was not an option.”

With the cancellation, F&T Championships said it is working on next steps, including issuing refunds and rescheduling the competition.