They call themselves the Reena Rockers (Roar Division), a name that reflects their spirited approach to competition at Reena Senior Living in Fort Atkinson, Wisc. Walk by their practice space, and you’ll see athletes, some with mobility or vision challenges, ready for the next Spark Performance League (SPL) challenge. They share laughs, high-fives, and inside jokes like any sports team—yet beneath the lighthearted banter lies real grit and determination. Here, age and impairment don’t stand in the way of an unwavering love for the game.
When Activity Director Dawn Mans arrived in 2022, the Rockers were a small group of three or four trying out the Spark competitions for the first time. “A team isn’t one or two people,” Dawn recalls telling them. “It takes a lot of buy-in, and everyone has something to offer.” Early on, the Rockers placed a premium on integrity and kindness—sometimes opting to share tips rather than outscore opposing teams—simply because they believed it elevated everyone’s experience.
Slowly, residents who were reluctant to join found themselves drawn to the camaraderie. Bill Ciske, a retired police chief with significant vision loss, was one of them. “He took a wrong turn and ended up in our room,” Dawn laughs. “By the time he left, he was hooked.” Bill’s background—he even once played for the Chicago Cubs—remains something he rarely mentions. “He’s very humble,” Dawn explains, “but the moment he picked up that remote, it was obvious he knew his way around a challenge.”
One of the Rockers’ proudest moments came nearly two years ago when they clinched fourth place in the National Forklift Racing tournament playoff. SPL teams across Wisconsin and Minnesota raced each week via a large-screen system, using remote-controlled forklifts to move pallets of books onto scales. Maneuvering a two-pound load doesn’t sound like much—until you consider that the slightest miscalculation can topple your stack and cost valuable time.
Several Rockers logged up to 60 hours of practice just to master precise forklift operations. “We followed all the rules, made sure we stayed safe, and took it very seriously,” Dawn says. That payoff—finishing fourth against dozens of other senior living communities—proved how capable they were when they worked together. The experience also helped them form relationships with other teams, as they often sacrificed their advantage to teach newcomers the rules and celebrate each other’s small triumphs along the way.
Determination Without Sight
While many residents face physical challenges, a hallmark of the Reena Rockers is the sheer number of those who compete with low or no vision. Pauline Klug is perhaps the most striking example. “Her vision is almost nil,” Dawn notes, “so forklift racing for her could have been impossible. But we created a pattern of cues, and soon she was stacking pallets that she really couldn’t see clearly.” Pauline’s secret? Intense focus—and a willingness to trust her spotters, who help guide her moves.
Asked why she competes, Pauline keeps it simple. “I enjoy the activities with others,” she says. “It gives me a sense of belonging.”
She’s not alone. Nancy Wheeler, who broke a nail mid-competition in a hard-fought loss to the Piranhas on January 30, famously shrugged it off and kept right on cranking. “I just love it!” she exclaims, sporting her ever-present grin. “You get that feeling like you’re a real team. We’re all in it together.”
One of the team’s most steady and reflective presences is Gloria Nelson, who brings a “zen” determination to every match, says Dawn. Though she speaks softly, her actions speak volumes—she’s always the first to offer encouragement, reminding everyone that consistent kindness can be a powerful form of leadership.
Dr. Bill Thomas, Lifespark’s Chief Experience Officer and a leading innovator in the field of aging, created the Spark Performance League as part of his lifelong mission to help older adults thrive. “When older people are offered fresh ways to push boundaries and tap into their strengths, they blossom in remarkable and unexpected ways,” he says. “The Spark Performance League allows them to showcase just how powerful and purposeful aging can be.”
The same spirit fuels them through other challenges too—team members also practice group exercises to stay strong like Tai Chi and Qigong. Still, the overall health benefits—from dexterity to confidence—cross over. “We see them working on grip strength and movement in exercise class,” Dawn says, “then applying those skills to the triathlon and forklift racing.”
Newcomers quietly observe from the hallway before finally stepping inside to give the forklift a try—despite the fear of failing in front of others. “Our veterans are quick to reassure them,” Dawn points out. “They’ll say, ‘Hey, we’ve all been there. Let’s figure this out together.’”
Today, the Rockers’ roster is larger than ever, but there are often challenges to field a full team. Several key members missed the second week of the tournament due to illness. Loss and change remain inevitable, and some of the Rockers’ leading athletes have passed away, leaving behind emotional gaps that the team continues to navigate. Still, Dawn sees that same determination driving them forward. “It’s tough,” she admits. “We grieve, but we also keep training, because that’s what those teammates would want.”
Dawn says that the Rockers are more than just a group of older adults with remote controls in hand—they’re living proof that competition can unite, heal, and inspire. Whether it’s forging new friendships with local schoolchildren who come by to watch a match or comforting a teammate who’s nervous about trying something new, the Rockers demonstrate that it’s never too late to ignite a spark within.
“Age and ability don’t define them,” Dawn says with a proud smile. “When they step up to compete, they remember their own grit. Whether we place fourth, first, or last, there’s a victory every day they show up and give it their best.”