Pompoms, Spirit and Sparkle
Grandma cheerleaders break stigmas and stereotypes
By Maggie Fitzgibbon
They may have gray hair and are older than 60. But a group of senior ladies is flipping the stigma of aging.
Every week, a group of grandmas gathers at the Chili Senior Center to practice cheerleading routines and learn new choreography.
Senior citizen cheerleaders sound a bit far-fetched but watch these ladies in action and you will witness a smiling, spirited squad decked out in uniforms with hair bows and pompoms.
Toni Ciadella, 85 and Sandra Condrey, 84, are members of the group. When asked why they are part of this group, they shared their thoughts.
“We are an inclusive group that helps and supports each other. We are a team,” Condrey said. “We practice and work hard. It’s not easy because you have to remember the routines. You have to use your brain and body.”
“It’s a good workout that keeps us healthy. Plus we have a lot of fun,” Ciadella added.
The group was formed in 2019 when the new Chili Community Center opened. The then director inquired to see if a group of seniors would be interested in performing at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jenn Kelley, the Chili Senior Center programmer, met the group when she joined the staff in 2022.
“I was so impressed by their eagerness to keep growing the group and to learn new routines,” Kelley said. “The goal of all of our programming at the community center is to support the health and well-being of our residents and members. This group is a perfect example of how our goals come to life.”
When the group first performed, Condrey said she was nervous. “I wondered if people were going to laugh at us or even take us seriously. But I was wrong, people cheered for us,” she said.
Over the last six years, the group, which is called the Chili Senior Center Cheer Team, has performed at schools, nursing homes, community and sporting events and marched in parades.
Kelley noted how unique the group is.
“These routines are a different way for seniors to remain active and social. Dance brings a fun aspect to a physical workout. To my knowledge, there is no other senior cheerleader group in the area,” she said.
Other team members shared what the group means to them.
“We have so much fun. We practice together and sometimes have to modify the routines for some. When I’m in my 80s, I still want to be part of the group and performing,” said June Lintz, 65.
Renita Carapelle, 65, said, “This group has been so welcoming and made me feel needed and wanted. My granddaughter told her friends and teachers that I’m a cheerleader. I thought she was making fun, but she is proud of me.”
“It’s a fun way to exercise. We use pompoms and wear shiny clothes,” Marta Reitema, 76, explained with a big smile.
Kelley and group members currently choreograph their routines, which are set to music by artists like Taylor Swift and NSYNC. “We would welcome anyone who has dance or cheerleading experience to help with choreography and is willing to work with us,” Kelley said.
Interested in joining? The group is open to residents of Chili and anyone else who can pay a $30 annual fee to use the facility. The requirements are a willingness to learn and a commitment to weekly practices. No audition is needed. Men and women aged 55 and older are encouraged to join.
Dave Beyer, 78, is part of the team. While he doesn’t participate in the cheering, he is an active member.
“I’m their security guy. I help the group get organized and watch over them at performances and events,” Beyer said.
“We are always looking for new members,” Ciadella said. “I live in Gates, so I pay the facility fee and I don’t mind. I love this group and how we encourage each other.”
The messages this team conveys are simple. You are never too old to cheer for yourself and your community. And most importantly, age is just a number.