By Elicia Powell
EDINA, MINN. – Tony, 86, says his favorite part of the games is “all the girls screaming” and the moment everyone starts singing ‘We Will Rock You.’ At Yorkshire Senior Living, a Lifespark Senior Living community, this kind of energy is routine, thanks to the Yorkies, a spirited team of seniors who’ve taken the Spark Performance League (SPL) Grip Games by storm. “We’re hungry to win,” says their coach, Danielle Madison, and they mean it.
Their team name is inspired by a small Yorkshire terrier, and contrary to their name, they’re not to be underestimated. “Even though a Yorkie is small, we still have a big dog mentality,” says Madison.
The Yorkies have won the world championship two years in a row for the Grip Games.
Now, they’re determined to keep their winning streak alive as they spend their downtime
practicing and motivating each other to improve. “We got to taste what it feels like to win and we want to win the championship again,” Madison says.
From walking relays to Grip Games, this group of seniors has shown that the drive to
compete doesn’t dim with age, it flourishes. “Winning! Everybody gets so enthused,” says Doug, age 71, when asked about his favorite part of the games.
Participating in the SPL has given residents a sense of belonging and something to talk about in the dining room. “The team spirit and camaraderie really gets us going. The excitement is so contagious,” says Polly, who is 94 and a proud member of the Yorkies.
The excitement isn’t limited to competitors; even residents on the sidelines contribute by coming to cheer them on. If a resident comes to cheer, they eventually continue on to join a team.
Normally, there aren’t any competitive activities in senior living, so the SPL has become a real spark within the community. It’s one of the most attended events, gathering over 20 residents to come and check it out.
There’s even a married couple within the Yorkies team, Tony and Margie. Tony joined
the team first and enjoyed it so much that he started encouraging his wife to participate.
“When she did it for the first time, she was beaming. She couldn’t stop talking about it,” Madison says.
The families of the residents love to see their loved ones being active through the updates on Facebook that Coach Madison provides. Family members have commented on how they didn’t know that their loved ones still needed competition in their lives. “It’s a highlight of our week, every week,” says Madison.
The Yorkies have created a real connection through their competitiveness and motivation. They proudly wear their teal colored shirts that display their beloved team name, ‘Yorkies.’ When other residents see them in their shirts on game days, they ask how they get them, and the team encourages them to join in.
As competitive as the Yorkies are, they still make an effort to support each other. Having this mindset is what keeps them moving and thriving. With their camaraderie and competitive natures, they are sure to go far.
“We include everybody in the competitions regardless of age, physical capabilities, and skill levels,” says Yorkies member Sandy, 81.
