Our Legacy:
Sparklers Baton Twirling was founded in 1974 by Pat and Mike Walsh in Brentwood, NY, born from a shared passion for performance, discipline, and empowering young athletes through the art of baton twirling. What began as a small, spirited team has blossomed into a vibrant and respected program that continues to inspire twirlers of all ages.
For over five decades, Sparklers has upheld a tradition of excellence, creativity, and team spirit—training athletes who have gone on to shine at regional, national, and international levels. Yet, our legacy is about more than competition; it's about the lifelong friendships, the confidence gained, and the unforgettable memories made.
Pat and Mike’s vision lives on in every routine, every performance, and every twirler who steps onto the floor. As we look to the future, we remain rooted in our rich history while continuing to grow a community that celebrates sparkle, strength, and self-expression.
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Once a Sparkler, always a Sparkler.
Our Founders:
Pat and Mike Walsh
With deep heartfelt love in our hearts and a lifetime of memories we honor our founders, Pat and Mike Walsh.
They were the essence of the Sparklers. They dedicated their lives to the Sparkler Organization, unparalleled to any other. We are so blessed that they collectively molded the Sparklers into what they are today, the largest Baton Twirling Organization in the State of New York! This year we celebrate 51 years of love. friendship and a lifetime of twirling.
World Class Twirlers
The Sparklers have had numerous teams achieve success on the State, Regional, National and International Level:
New York State Champions every year since 1979
Northeast Regional Champions every year since 1979
National Champions every year since 1981
1995 Team USA Gold Medal
1996 Team USA Silver Medal
1997 Team USA Gold Medal
1998 Team USA Silver Medal
1999 Team USA Bronze Medal
2004 Team USA Bronze Medal
2005 Team USA Silver Medal
2006 Team USA Silver Medal
2009 Team USA Gold Medal
2011 Team USA Bronze Medal
2019 Team USA Bronze Medal
51 years in the making
The Sparklers Baton Twirling Organization began their twirling program in the 1974-1975 season, starting with just six girls from Brentwood, New York. They won their first New York State Championship title in 1977, and captured the 1979 Championship titles at the Regional and National Competitions.
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The Imperial Knights Color Guard and the Sparklers, founded by Pat Walsh, beloved wife of Michael Walsh, along with their children Michael, Thomas, Steven, James and Linda, participated as a family unit, creating joy and happiness for thousands of children and family members.
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Through the utilization of disciplined practices, camaraderie, teamwork and the spirit of competition, they succeeded in building strong character and leadership qualities. Children and adults alike, remain forever grateful to participate in the history making of the SPARKLER FAMILY, aka The Walsh Family.
WE'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!
With the Sparkler foundation already established, it has lead the way and has been very inspirational, to say the least, in continuing the growth and development of the sport of baton twirling. Enriching and touching the lives of our current membership with the same characteristics as our founders, continues to be one of our primary goals. Creating talented twirlers is dependent on the right mixture of early experience, good coaching, practice and motivation. This mixture establishes that the parents do most of the mixing. We believe a parent's role is crucial in the development of the athlete's talent and with the support and involvement of all our Sparkler parents we continue to SHINE.
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