Paradise Roller Girls will host their first bout of the season against their rival to the West, Echo City at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
“We can hold a wall sit longer than it takes to drive to the top of Mauna Kea,” said coach AC Slayed-her. “A core group of us has been playing together since 2011, and we are ready to bring it.”
Big Island Babes, PRG’s junior roller derby league, also will be bringing the hurt Saturday at the Civic as a part of their Keiki Koa 2: Junior Derby Throwdown that starts at 5 p.m.
“We invite the community to come watch our Babes leave everything they have on the track,” said Babes coach Anna “XaQshnR” Madrid.
Tickets for the East vs. West showdown are available at Lucy’s Taqueria or at the door. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 4 and younger.
Also coming up June 1-3 is the Big Island Brawl, an international derby tournament hosted by the Paradise Roller Girls, sponsored by the Grand Naniloa Hotel.
The Brawl will feature teams from Canada, Japan, California and Hawaii.
On a roll
Paradise Roller Girls is open to members of all ages, skill and fitness levels. All the league asks for is a positive attitude, dedication and desire to compete.
Like most flat-track leagues, Paradise Roller Girls is an amateur sports league, meaning the athletes are not paid. They roll for the love of the sport.
“We are your mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, daughters and friends,” said team member Rebecca “Oxford Coma” Rubenstein. “Our league is focused on promoting healthy and athletic lifestyles, while giving back through community service, outreach and charity.”
Big Island Babes junior roller derby provides keiki with a healthy and fun way to exercise and build self-esteem. BIB welcomes skaters of all abilities, treasuring diversity and celebrating individuality.
Find Big Island Babes Junior Roller Derby on Facebook for more information.
