Roller derby rolls into Beenleigh

Photo Scott Nicholson, www.groundvision.com.au

IT’S high speed, full contact and quickly gaining status as a cult sport in Australia.

Roller Derby isn’t for the faint of heart, but what exactly is it about this sport which attracts crowds of more than 1500, ranging in age from eight months to 80?

According to Kim Bowyer, a teacher who is a part of the Sun State Roller Girls, the reason is because the sport is highly addictive.

“I started a couple of years ago. I went to their opening fundraiser gig and just went ‘oh this is so cool!’,” she said.

Mrs Bowyer, who goes by the name Bozerk on the flat-track, said the sport was swiftly growing in popularity as more people learned about it.

“Obviously Whip It was great advertising, and it is a bit similar,” she said.

Lizzie Wilbourne, a mother of two who also has been involved in roller derby for a few years, said she too had noticed an increase in crowd numbers.

“There’s such a diverse range,” she said.

“There are families and different sub-cultures (who come) for the music and the event.”

Mrs Bowyer said she became involved in roller derby after looking for a team sport to play.

“There was nothing appealing, but when I saw it (roller derby) was happening locally, I was interested,” she said.

“I did a bit of figure skating as a teen, and the fact it was full contact was good.

“It’s a really good release for getting rid of tensions.

“I’m quite small compared to a lot of the girls, so I’ve learned how to absorb blocks.

“It’s also empowered me to learn I can hold my own against people bigger than me.”

•The Sun State Roller Girls’ first bout will be held at the Beenleigh Sports Arena on Saturday, March 13.

To book tickets, or for more information, visit www.sunstaterollergirls.com.