August 9, 2009
The Charlotte Roller Girls, the Queen City’s only roller derby league, will hold its second qualifying bout of the 2009 intra-league championship on August 9. The Fraid Knots, who are making their debut, and Block’em Sock’em Rollers, who are coming off a first round victory, will face off at the Grady Cole Center. The roster for both teams are made up of all your favorite Charlotte Roller Girls players.
During the summer, Charlotte takes a break from interleague competition (city against city) in order to bring fans its intra-league championship (Charlotte against Charlotte). This championship runs from July to September and consists of three qualifying bouts followed by a title-deciding round, the final home bout of the year. The Cockpit Candies, Charlotte’s third intra-league team, is also competing in the championship.
“Our win in the previous round gives us a good mental boost,” said Block’em Sock’em Rollers captain Rosemary Gardner a.k.a. Rosie Cheeks. “We know that we are now the team to beat. Our players have a great attitude and play as a unified team. We are ready to stop the Fraid Knots’ jammers in their tracks.”
Roller derby’s resurgence began in 2001 and has been gathering speed ever since. Modern day roller derby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport that focuses on genuine athleticism. This new generation of roller derby pays homage to its theatrical roots but is a non scripted, competitive sport which follows the rules and regulations of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Today, more than 250 female flat track roller derby leagues are found in cities across the country.
“Winning isn’t our only goal,” said Fraid Knots captain Paige Leary a.k.a. Court’her Pound’her. “We also want to prove that the Fraid Knots are contenders for this championship. The Block’em Sock’em Rollers looked very strong in the first round but seeing them bout gave us an advantage. We were able to learn some of their strengths and weaknesses. It’s amazing what you can learn when you analyze a bout video!”
At this bout, the Charlotte Roller Girls will sponsor a School Supply Drive for A Child’s Place, a local non-profit organization which works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education. Fans are encouraged to bring items to donate. To say thank you to those that participate, each will receive a special Charlotte Roller Girls gift.
Supplies accepted include: glue sticks, pencils and pens, hand sanitizer, dictionaries, Mead composition books, book bags and folders. Items from A Child’s Place wish list will also be accepted. For a full list of items, please visit http://achildsplace.org/wishlist.html.
Tickets are on sale now here for $10 or in person at any Common Market. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $14. The Grady Cole Center is located at 310 N. Kings Drive.
