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42 SPORTS 43 CROSSWORD 44 FASHION 45 THREADSS 50-61 CALENDAR,TOONS,HOROSCOPES, PET OF THE WEEK ETC.
rolling for a reason: Roller girls hold bout for charity
by Chelsea Pyne Girls Bout Cape Fear Roller ial Olympics Benefitting Spec . March 9th, 6 p.m CFCC Scwar tz Center, et re St t 601 N. Fron • etix.com 2 Tickets: $10-$1
“You may even see some acrobatics, like backwards skating or jumping skaters.” On Saturday, March 9th the i. am y Names Tsun . Photo by A Bo Roller Girls will be ing m jam ” let ar a “Snuff Film St competing against Ashlie Row ak the Low Country High Rollers. A he’s a stay-at-home mom, a dentist portion of the proceeds will benefit the Special Olymoffice manager, postal service carrier, a pics of New Hanover County (SONHC). The team is Zumba instructor, interior design student. a nonprofit organization with heavy expenses. Last Oh, she’s also a fierce woman whose a shark on year, their costs reached $63,000. However, the girls wheels. All of these women mean business when it keep roller derby alive by raising money and having comes to play time. sponsors; their biggest source of income is from the The Cape Fear Roller Girls (CFRG), which Wilmingtonians who attend every bout. started in 2005, has become Wilmington’s premier Ingraham, the team’s PR and sponsorship repflat-track derby team with now over 30 members. resentative, quips, “People may not be aware that CFRG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to com- we actually donate 10 percent of our door proceeds munity development and improving Wilmington’s from every bout to a different local charity, [as will] beloved areas, all while roughing up one another our first bout of the season, Crash of the Titans.” on the rink. It is CFRG’s first year working with SONHC. In adRoller derby, which is said to be pure entertain- dition to donating proceeds, the roller girls also volment, encompasses the ultimate blend of speed unteer for the beneficiary’s fund-raising events. Even and agility, skill and strategy. Women are able to a few of the league members participated in SONmake hard hits and take them just as well. It’s not HC’s Polar Plunge on February 23rd. quite rugby on wheels, but it does take strong comIngraham adds, “We try to focus on local charities petitive spirit to the next level. This is truly a sport that have a direct impact in our community across all not meant for the light-hearted. areas of interest. As a nonprofit group, it is important One of the fastest growing sports in the world, to give back to the community who supports us.” even securing their own World Cup, roller derby With stage names like “Iona Trailer,” “Ann T. Gravcontinues to grab Wilmington’s attention and regu- ity,” “Violet Outlaw” and “Toe Up” it is clear intimilarly fills the Schwartz Center of Cape Fear Com- dation is not used lightly. But in reality, derby girls munity College with eager fans. The reason the are known for being a group of strong, independent massive crowds—averaging 400 to 500 per bout— women who welcome anyone to join their ranks. keep coming back is because they love the action. Ingraham says, “Each player is extremely dedi“Even if you are unfamiliar with the rules, roller cated, independent and strong in her own way, but derby is always engaging,” Michelle Ingraham, who above all, we are a team. We support each other works the skating persona of “Fiona Fatale,” says. as a league.”
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42 encore | march 6-12, 2013| www.encorepub.com
Though the sport is known for its rough demeanor, it does follow strict rules, which if not obeyed, result in immediate expulsion from the bout. Punching or elbowing people in the face is not allowed; bumps and bruises are common in any contact sport, but the league follows safety guidelines to ensure major injuries are prevented. “We always have two EMTs on site at any bout in case of emergency,” Ingraham informs, “but, generally, they just enjoy the bout with everyone else.” There are 12-week training programs that run consistently throughout the year for interested players, either as a skater or a referee. The physicality of the sport can be demanding, which makes the referee appealing to some. “The greatest aspect of derby is that it is playable by anyone of any shape, size, or age,” Ingraham assures. “If you are willing to put the time in to training, anyone can be a derby girl. I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made.” The Cape Fear Roller Girls, though they look and act tough, have soft hearts that continuously reach out to Wilmington. By attending their events, purchasing sponsorship packages or donating to the organization at www.capefearrollergirls.com, supporters are doing more than watching a sport; they’re becoming directly active in our nonprofit community. The girls are always looking for volunteers at the matches, from participating as a non-skating official, taking tickets, helping with security, doing concessions or breaking down their rink. Tickets for the March 9th bout cost $10 and can be purchased at etix.com; the door price is $12. Kids ages 6 to 10 cost $5 and children under six are free. Season passes are $60, also at etix.com. Military and student discounts are available.