Rapid City, South Dakota – A trio of local housekeepers is set to showcase the city’s hospitality talent on a national stage. Aderianna Young Bear, executive housekeeper at the historic Hotel Alex Johnson; Rita Thunder Hawk, housekeeper at the same hotel; and Crystal Stand, assistant executive housekeeper at the Country Inn, will travel to Las Vegas this weekend for the inaugural House Cleaning Olympics.
Preparing for the competition
In a recent interview with KOTA, the three women described the rigorous tryouts that earned them a spot in the event. “We practiced every night after our shifts, focusing on speed, precision and guest‑service etiquette,” Young Bear said. Thunder Hawk added that the team also studied the judging criteria released by the organizers, which emphasize cleanliness, efficiency and professionalism.
Stand explained that the competition will feature a series of timed challenges, from bed‑making marathons to deep‑cleaning suites, all judged by industry experts. “It’s not just about how fast you work; it’s about maintaining the highest standards that our guests expect,” she noted.
Why the House Cleaning Olympics matters
While the event may sound light‑hearted, it offers a valuable platform for the often‑overlooked housekeeping profession. ESPN’s coverage will bring national attention to the skill and dedication required in hotel housekeeping, a field that supports tourism and local economies across the country.
Local leaders have praised the team’s selection. Rapid City Mayor Paul TenHaken said, “These women represent the hard work and hospitality that make our city a welcoming place for visitors. We’re proud they’ll be carrying the Rapid City name to a national audience.”
Community support and pride
Friends, family and fellow hospitality workers have rallied behind the team. A fundraiser organized by the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce raised $1,200 to help cover travel expenses, and a local bakery donated a celebratory cake for the trio before their departure.
“It feels good to have the whole community behind us,” Thunder Hawk said. “We hope our participation inspires other young people, especially women, to consider careers in hospitality and see the pride that comes with it.”
What to watch
The House Cleaning Olympics will be broadcast on ESPN Saturday at 7 p.m. Central Time. Viewers can expect to see the Rapid City team compete against crews from hotels in New York, Chicago, Dallas and other major markets. The competition will culminate in a medal ceremony where the top three teams receive gold, silver and bronze honors.
Regardless of the outcome, the experience promises to strengthen the participants’ skills and broaden their professional networks. “We’ll bring back new techniques and ideas that will benefit our hotels and our guests back home,” Stand said.
Rapid City residents are encouraged to follow the event on social media using the hashtag #RapidCityCleaners and to share messages of support for the team. The city’s tourism office plans to feature a post‑event celebration once the team returns, highlighting the pride of representing South Dakota on a national platform.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
