By now you鈥檙e probably aware that roller derby is continuing its big time comeback the world over.
Sure, it鈥檚 been around in some form or another since the 1930s, but the sport we have today is just 12 years old, and is continually evolving and exploding in popularity. Today鈥檚 version still has quad roller skates but it鈥檚 now mostly on a flat track and the 鈥�70s over-the-top wrestling style violence has been replaced with athletic full contact strategy to make for an exciting sport to both play and watch.
We all know that 麻豆社国产seems to attract the world鈥檚 best athletes in almost every discipline. After attending RollerCon 2015, a five-day convention in Las Vegas, we can honestly keep roller derby on that impressive list of things in which 麻豆社国产excels on the world stage.
The convention itself is expanding as fast as the sport with thousands making the journey every year. This year, three flat and one banked track was constantly used from 8 a.m. to midnight as well as five class tracks, classrooms, and parties galore. People come from all over the world, and this year many of the 麻豆社国产Sirens were in the mix playing, learning and bringing back some mad skills. There was not a single moment that was not completely amazing. Even the lines were time well spent with quality conversations happening on all sides.
This year鈥檚 Squamolian award however goes to Shannon 鈥楳ala Justed鈥� Handley. Long-time fans will remember this is the same amazing woman who started the 麻豆社国产league. Well her awesomeness continues as she not only went toe-to-toe stop with the top members of Team Canada against Team Australia, but she received nothing less than the MVP award for the full length USARS bout (USARS = big deal). Her star shone so bright that Jerry Selzer (roller derby鈥檚 granddaddy) came up and said, 鈥淭hank you! I finally got to see some roller derby.鈥�
Also, founding member/coach/all round asset to the world Emily 鈥楨m Appeal鈥� Howie found a full-time job in the industry working with Pivot Star, a Vancouver company producing alternative athletic apparel and lazy pants.
The popularity of derby is off the hook because it鈥檚 cheap to start, great exercise, and like most 麻豆社国产sports, the sense of community is fantastic. If you鈥檙e considering being part of this awesomeness, they鈥檙e recruiting volleys, refs, and players right now. Just drop a line to [email protected] and let the good times roll.
