All invited to skate day out

MEMBERS of Ballarat Roller Derby League are inviting the community to put some skates on and enjoy a family day out.

The event is open to anyone over the age of six, with parental consent provided for under 18s, and all skates and protective gear will be provided, although skaters can bring their own.

The session will begin with an introduction to roller skating, stopping and falling safely.

“Skating in general is a surprisingly accessible sport,” roller derby coordinator Corey Bartlett said.

“We’ve got members of the league ranging in age from six to I think our oldest member is about 68.

“It doesn’t have the same jolting action on your joints that something like running does and it’s fun.”

The skating session will run from 12pm until 2pm before an exhibition game between Ballarat Ratpack and Geelong Bloody Marys at 2.30pm.

“Both Ballarat and Geelong are some of the oldest roller derby leagues in the state,” Mx Bartlett said.

“We’ve worked together for more than a decade… so it’s really good to bring some live contact derby action to Ballarat.”

A modified contact scrimmage will begin at 4.30pm.

Mx Bartlett said they enjoy skating and roller derby for its inclusivity.

“It’s a really inclusive community for people with disabilities and especially people who are trans and gender diverse,” they said.

“The governing body for derby, which is the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, they’ve got one of the best gender inclusive policies that are around in the world currently.”

The event will take place on Sunday 17 August at Doug Dean Stadium.

Tickets cost $15 per person or $5 per person for league members and can be purchased at bit.ly/4l7VnAp.