GGMe club stacks up fun

Cup stacking, also known as speedstacks, is not just a sport; it’s a thrilling adventure that hones hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, quickness, and concentration. Speedstacks is a global competition in which players strive to outdo their personal best. This unique activity taps into both sides of their bodies and brains, fostering essential athletic and lifelong skills.

This dynamic game, which requires the use of hands and eyes, stimulates the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which are crucial for grasping higher learning concepts. Educational experts have observed a positive shift in students’ language skills, math sequences, and problem-solving abilities after participating in cup stacking.

Ann Malandruccolo, Sun City resident, chaired the Grandma, Grandpa, & Me (GGMe) spring event that included cup stacking. “The cup stacking activity Deb presented for our GGMe spring activity was a huge success. It was an interactive program that had you working your hands, eyes, and brain. Best of all, it was fun for the children, parents, and grandparents.”

Deb Randazzo, a Sun City resident, has been an adapted physical education teacher for K-12, all disabilities, and Special Olympics coach for over 20 years. For 12 years, she taught graduate classes to teachers on health, wellness, and nutrition. Currently, she is a field instructor for speedstacks in Illinois. She travels to schools across Illinois to present to Physical Education classes on how to stack and the importance of cup stacking.

Randazzo said, “There are many benefits and studies of sport stacking.” She listed a few:

Fitness – Sport Stacking is a fitness-based sport that kids and adults can benefit from and do at home.

Self-Esteem — One of the comments we consistently receive from teachers, parents, and school administrators is how sport stacking levels the playing field for their kids.

Academics — Studies show that students who sport stack on a regular basis have increased test scores and levels of concentration.

Randazzo encourages parents and Sun City residents to make a small investment in purchasing a set.

“Parents, it’s affordable. You can buy something that benefits their body, brain, and spirit, and it gets them away from the TV and phone. Check out the speedstacks’ website and read up on all the studies to benefit your child and grandchild,” she said.

Kaden Castor, age 9, participated in the GGMe spring event. He said, “I did cup stacking races last year in third grade and this year in fourth. I especially liked competing in tournaments.”  Kaden goes to Conley Elementary in Huntley.

Kaden’s Grandmother, Terri Pearl, said, “Even though I’m a retired teacher, I had never seen or heard of cup stacking. I could see how it involved both sides of the brain. We enjoyed seeing Kaden engaged and showing off his skills. We bought him a set of cups with a timer so he could practice at home. Rich and I both enjoyed learning cup stacking and racing each other. It was our first GGME activity, and we all had a great time!”

President of GGMe Charter Club, Joyce Ugarte, was also highly impressed.

“Who would have known that stacking and unstacking plastic cups as fast as you can would be such a great activity?” she said.

Currently, studies are being conducted all over the world analyzing the effects of cup stacking on neuropsychological, neurobiological, and brain function performances in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Sun City Fitness Coordinator, Kelly Bertrand, has scheduled classes for Sun City residents to try the sport.

“The classes are in pairs, so when you sign up for the 10th, you are automatically enrolled in the 17th, for example. The class dates are June 10 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Prairie Lodge Hickory Room. And June 21 and 28 at Meadow View Lodge, 6-7 p.m. in the Oak/Elm Room.”

The GGMe Charter Club was such a success that Randazzo was again invited to facilitate the outdoor version at the club’s annual picnic on June 1.   

Check out speedstacks.com for teaching videos and additional information and try both hands at cup stacking.

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