Roller derby league representatives, coaches and skaters from around the country will arrive in Margaret River next week ahead of the 2016 Derby Fest
The Derby Fest Home Grown Bootcamp will be held in the region for the very first time and includes a number of exciting games open for public viewing.
Event organiser Rosie Richards said Margaret River was the ideal location for the event.
“We couldn’t think of a better place to host Derby Fest, with its top class sporting facilities and beautiful beach surrounds, it a perfect setting,” she said.
Margaret River Roller Derby spokesperson Mandy Carey (aka ‘Ranga Banga’) said the group were delighted to be selected as hosts.
“We’re so excited, not only to be hosting but to have so many skilled skaters and coaches on hand and the opportunity to learn from them,” Ms Carey said.
“Four Australian coaches have been selected for their skills and will be spending hours on the track with skaters this weekend,” she said.
Now in its second year, Derby Fest is open to all roller derby skaters in WA and offers a range of classes for all skill levels.
Intermediate workshops and a specialised ‘Fresh Meat’ program for beginners will also be offered to help new skaters better understand the rules and strategies of the game.
Formidable Perth skater Holly Smackeral will be joined by Gold Coast derby skater Brutally Blonde in town to coach new competitors.
“Receiving a hit from [Smackeral] has been described as really hard… like, painful. Just get out of her way. Take the star off your head. Retire,” said Richards.
The event is sponsored under the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s sports and recreation grants program which looks to secure sporting workshops and events to encourage active lifestyles in the community.
Acting AMRS chief executive Annie Riordan said the sport is gaining momentum in the region.
“We hope that by hosting Derby Fest we are encouraging even more interest and ensuring the sports success and sustainability into the future,” Ms Riordan said.
“The visitation by participating teams will also be of benefit to local business in the traditionally quiet month of May.”
Margaret River roller derby team the Cabernet Savages will host the Perth Men’s Derby for an exhibition scrimmage on Sunday 29 May.
Derby Fest will be held at the Margaret River Recreation Centre on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May.
Doors will be open to the public from 5pm to 8.30pm for the exhibition matches, tickets are $10 per person (free entry for children under 12) and can be purchased at the door.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/margaretriverrollerderby/
