Brittany Mauntler, a junior at Albert Lea High School, has been invited to represent Minnesota Cheer in the 21st annual Down Under Sports Tournaments.

The tournaments are hosted each June and July in Australia or New Zealand. Athletes from the United States, Australia and New Zealand come together each year to participate in the tournaments.

Mauntler, the daughter of Linda Wallin and LaDon Wallin of Glenville, will be leaving for Australia on June 18. She was nominated by her cheerleading coach, Brandy Erb.

Mauntler said she believes the experience will help her build confidence and help with stunts.

“I think I will learn a lot of skills from the professionals there,” she said.

Mauntler has been cheering since she was 8 years old. She has been a member of the ALHS cheerleading squad since she was a sophomore.

Mauntler is also a member of the Albert Lea Police Explorers and is active in small group Bible studies at The Rock.

To help raise funds for the trip, Mauntler has organized a spring fling dance from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at the Fairlane Community Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Admission is $6 per person, or $3 per person in costume. There will be prizes for the ugliest costume and a princess contest.

The dance is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

Donations for Mauntler’s trip may also be sent to 12341 782nd Ave., Glenville, MN 56036.