The Sioux Falls Roller Dollz was inspired by the A&E television series Rollergirls. Two women in Sioux Falls had the dream of creating a roller derby team. Jayme Nelson and Elizabeth Nelson are the founders of the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz.
The Beginning of the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz
In September, 2006, Elizabeth and Jayme did some advertising through MySpace and by distributing flyers. A recruiting event was held in October, 2006 which attracted about fifty women. Later that month, the group went to Minnesota to watch the Minnesota derby team take on the Wisconsin derby team. After the trip, the Roller Dollz had skaters, referees, sponsors, and promoters. The rest as they say is history.
Roller Dollz Accomplishments so Far
Since the first bout, the team has donated over $34,000 to twenty-four charities in Sioux Falls. Their last bout on October 2, 2010, generated $1,000 for the local Disabled American Veterans.
The Sioux Falls Rollzer Dollz has so many interested skaters that a rookie team called the Killa Beez has been formed. First year skaters are a part of this team.
Time Commitment
The Sioux Falls Roller Dollz practice two times a week for about three hours. They also frequently host fundraising events during the week such as bean bag toss, taco feeds, barbeques, and karaoke. The girls also form a bond with each other so there are a lot of private social events just for the girls to get together and blow off some steam.
Injuries
Roller derby is not for the faint of heart. One skater has suffered a broken tail bone and a concussion. Others have hurt their knees, necks, backs, or ankles. Some have had to retire as skaters and take on a different role within the organization such as non-skating official or announcer.
Upcoming Events
If you are looking for something to do tonight, January 15, 2011, the Killa Beez is heading to Sioux City, Iowa for some roller derby action against the Sioux City Roller Dames.
The rest of the Roller Dollz season includes home games on April 16, 2011 and May 14, 2011.
Other away dates include January 22, 2011 in Fort Wayne, IN, March 5, 2011 in Green Bay, WI, and March 26, 2011 in Brookings, SD.
I have been to several Roller Dollz games and it is entertaining. The girls have vibrant personalities and the action is knock down drag out skating and cat fighting fun.
Bibliography
"Sioux Falls Roller Dollz." Accessed January 15, 2011. http://www.rollerdollz.com/test/index.php
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