Just over two years ago I started training for roller derby - at about the same time that I started working as a library assistant. I'm still working on the roller derby and in the library.
Roller Derby is an athletic and strategic full-contact sport, played on quad skates with two teams competing against each other or a flat track. Mention it to most people and they think of some sort of chaotic cat-fight and conjure up scenes from the movie Whip it (and just to clarify a whip is a term for assisting a team-mate - usually a jammer on the track to get past opposing blockers).
What is less well known is that Christchurch has two roller derby leagues: Dead End Derby Christchurch Rollergirls - whose All Stars team are currently ranked number one in New Zealand and Otautahi Roller Derby League.
New Zealand has more roller derby players per capita than any other country. The library even has books on the subject from the award winning children's graphic novel, Roller Girl by derby player Victoria Jamieson (the novel that "Whip it" was based on), Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, to practical non-fiction guides like The Roller Derby Athlete, to books to help you to develop mental toughness as an athlete such as Daniel Coyle's The Talent Code. As roller derby is a journey of highs and lows these are really invaluable resources.
Roller Girl is a fantastic read for girls who struggle to fit in and discover who they are. It also explores the ups and downs of friendships as interests and priorities change. A visit to Jamieson's website also leads to a downloadable e-book about the making of "Roller Girl" with helpful info about real-life derby girls. FYI, girls and boys aged 8-14 can also join junior derby in Christchurch.
For an inspirational read about fearless athletes who have had to jump farther, run faster and fight harder to prove themselves in the athletic arena, then look no further than Women in Sports. This is such a motivating read that will hopefully empower lots more athletes.
Win tickets to DED All Stars vs Northland
We've been lucky enough to have a double pass for a lucky winner to go and experience a top class derby bout in Christchurch on Saturday 30th September as DED All Stars take on Northland in their only home game of the season. To win, we want to know, what would your derby name be? (Most derby players chose a derby name that they are known by. Sometimes these are puns or reference derby in some way).
Email competition@ccc.govt.nz with your derby name and contact details by 5pm, Wednesday 27th September.
Find out more
- Find more titles about Roller Derby
- Local Roller Derby groups Dead End Derby Christchurch Rollergirls and Otautahi Roller Derby League
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