Press release
JoLynn Bryant, Mountain Roller Girls
The Balsam Mountain Roller Girls Want YOU! They are a flat track roller derby league based out of Haywood County and they are looking to grow their teams by holding a Sign-up Event open to the public. The league will explain the game of roller derby, show video clips of the game in action, tell you about the league and team opportunities, then let you try out your skate legs! Free and open to the public. Skates will be provided. The event is not just for women who want to play but for anyone who would like to learn more about roller derby and be interested in becoming a part of the world’s fastest growing sport. The roller derby team has opportunities for people of all ages and genders from skaters to referees, non-skating officials, volunteers and spirit leaders.
The roller girls will hold the event Sunday, November 10th, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Smoky Mountain Sk8way and Fun Zone. They will follow the event with a three month training camp where participants will learn or refresh their skating skills, learn roller derby skills and learn how to play the game. Training will be from Nov-Feb with time taken off for the holidays.
Requirements are that all trainees must be 18+ years old, pay $40 a month dues, and sign a waiver. Balsam Mountain Roller Girls hold 2 practices/week on Sundays and Thursdays from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Skating trainees (referees and players) will learn through physical training. Both skating and non-skating trainees will learn rules through instruction and watching the game. Referees, non-skating trainees, and, of course, volunteers are exempt from dues but will have attendance requirements while in training.
The Junior’s team, Balsam Mountain Junior Roller Girls, for girls ages 11- 17, practice Monday Nights, 6 pm-8:30 pm. Girls and their parents are invited out any Monday night to learn more about this confidence and muscle building sport.
What if you haven’t skated in years? Most skaters started out that way! While prior skating or other athletic experience is certainly encouraged, it is not required of any type of league member. All skaters must pass a skills test and purchase USARS insurance (an annual fee of $55) before they are put into full contact play. If they do not pass assessments they can continue to train with the team until they do.
Sign up and weekly practices are held at the newly expanded Smoky Mountain Sk8way & Fun Zone, 19025 Great Smoky Mountain Expressway, Waynesville, NC. For more information please contact JoLynn Bryant at 246-9124.
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