TWENTY YEARS LATER, THE WORLD RETURNS TO CARTAGENA

Media Release

AIA Global Tourna

ment Announces Cartagena, Colombia as Host City for 2027 The second annual Global Tournament heads to South America, November 26–28, 2027.

CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA — September 28, 2026 — AIA Tournament Inc. officially announces Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, as the host city for the second annual AIA Global Tournament, taking place November 26–28, 2027.

Following the inaugural Global Tournament in Montréal, Canada, AIA will officially move its championship to South America, continuing its commitment to rotate the event internationally and alternate hemispheres approximately every 14–18 months.

The Seed Round begins Friday, November 26, followed by the Opening Ceremonies and Parade of Nations that evening, with tournament competition continuing November 27–28.

“We promised that the AIA Global Tournament would truly travel the world, and Cartagena represents exactly what that commitment means,” said Jibreel Rayam, President of AIA Tournament Inc. “This is a city with international sporting history, tourism infrastructure, culture, affordability and, importantly, a meaningful connection to the history of cheerleading in South America.”

A GLOBAL DESTINATION BUILT FOR MAJOR EVENTS

Cartagena is one of Colombia's leading international tourism destinations, welcoming millions of visitors annually and offering more than 10,000 hotel rooms, major convention facilities and extensive international hospitality infrastructure.

The city has demonstrated its ability to host major international sporting events. IRONMAN 70.3 Cartagena has been held in the city since 2016, while the 2026 Gran Fondo Nairo Quintana Cartagena Fest brought together more than 8,500 participants from 23 countries. Cartagena's Media Maratón del Mar has hosted approximately 9,000 runners.

The destination is also benefiting from major infrastructure investment, including an approximately COP $887 billion modernization and expansion of Rafael Núñez International Airport, which served approximately 7.7 million passengers in 2025.

Safety and visitor experience were central to AIA's host-city evaluation. Cartagena continues to invest in security resources, surveillance, transportation and its tourism districts as part of its strategy to strengthen the city's position as a major international destination.

Combined with the purchasing power of the Colombian peso, Cartagena also creates an opportunity for AIA to deliver a world-class international experience while maintaining greater affordability for many participating programs and families.

TWENTY YEARS OF CHEERLEADING HISTORY

Cartagena's connection to international cheer and dance makes this announcement particularly significant.

The city was home to the first South American qualifying event to The Cheerleading Worlds, establishing an early pathway for athletes from the continent to reach the international All Star stage.Major cheerleading competitions were being held in Cartagena by at least 2007, eventually attracting hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators.

At the center of that history was Vladimir Castrillón Blanco, longtime President of the Colombian Cheerleading Federation and an international pioneer who collaborated with many past and present leaders of the sport to develop competitive cheerleading in Colombia and connect South American athletes with the international cheerleading community.

“Twenty years ago, athletes came to Cartagena looking for an opportunity to reach the world,” Rayam said. “In 2027, the world is coming back to Cartagena. There is something incredibly powerful about completing that circle.”

90+ QUALIFIERS. 17 COUNTRIES. ONE GLOBAL TOURNAMENT.

More than 90 qualifying events across 17 countries will award invitations to Cartagena 2027, officially opening the road to South America for All Star programs around the world.

Attendees can expect the same international energy and cultural exchange that defined Montréal, while AIA incorporates operational improvements based directly on feedback received following the inaugural Tournament.

Cartagena will also introduce a more integrated resort-style, one-stop Tournament experience, connecting host hotels, transportation, competition, hospitality and cultural experiences from the moment delegations arrive until they depart.

Rayam recently completed meetings in Cartagena with city officials, tourism representatives and local authorities regarding the Tournament and its international footprint.

“Cartagena met our requirements in full,” Rayam said. “But what ultimately makes this special is the city itself — its people, its culture, its history and its connection to our sport. We cannot wait to welcome the All Star world to Colombia.”

AIA GLOBAL TOURNAMENT — CARTAGENA 2027

November 26–28, 2027Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

November 26: Seed Round & Opening CeremoniesNovember 27–28: Tournament Competition & Global Championships

Additional information regarding venues, host hotels, travel packages, qualification, registration and the Parade of Nations will be announced in the coming months.

ABOUT AIA TOURNAMENT INC.

AIA Tournament Inc. operates the AIA Global Tournament, an international All Star cheer and dance championship built around global qualification and a seeded head-to-head tournament format.

For All Star. By All Star. Around the World.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jesica McKenzieAIA Global Tournamentaiaglobaltournament@gmail.com

FOR ALL STAR | BY ALL STAR - Around the World

END RELEASE