Speed and passion on wheels!
Roller derby is a contact sport where two teams roller skate in the same direction around a track, and competition involves a designated scorer winning points by lapping members of the opposing team. Roller derby is growing a fan base of ardent women roller skaters that love the game not just for the fitness it provides, but also for its rapid-fire action and unbridled fun.
What is Abu Dhabi Roller Derby, and how did it begin?
SUE: It began in October in 2012. I came to the UAE and was addicted to Derby and there was none here. I reached out for derby people for months but found no one. Then I hooked up with a girl in Dubai who wanted to raise a league and she had made contact with Amanda here somehow, so I had a meeting with her to work out how our leagues would work and how we would support each other. Initially Abu Dhabi travelled to Dubai. We had the skill set but Dubai had the numbers… so it worked like that for a while; now Dubai are on their own feet and our numbers are growing here. I must say, if it came to a showdown Abu Dhabi would beat Dubai!!! Put that in your article haha….
What makes roller derby fun?
TRACIE: This is a great sport that’s awesome for fitness, and also a lot of fun.
SUE: The game inspires me; the bond and unity between the girls and the fun. It’s a hard sport, you need support. It’s not for everyone; it’s a certain type of personality that plays this game. I think we inspire each other… but every one of us would have a player they look up to and think is amazing. I’m inspired by a player of my home league, The Canberra Roller Derby League (Australia) called King Cam. She reads the game and predicts what is about to happen before it does. She is always in the right spot at the right time and hardly seems to fall over. Another player is Bambi Von Smasher. She is a little pocket rocket and can really zip about between skaters. She is quiet agile but don’t let her size fool you, she will take you down if you’re not on your game!
We heard that you all have derby names? What’s up with that?
TRACIE: Derby names and numbers are identities girls will skate under, like a persona where you invent yourself into something you want to be. My derby name is ‘Nerd Badger’. Derby is a lot about playing a sport but also being who you absolutely want to be.
SUE: A derby name is your alter ego and generally a witty play on words: My name is Rolla Moll…it’s kind of awful so I like the shock value of it. My league once called me Sueviette because I skated around one day with a Serviette on my helmet. Amanda is Kamanda because she used to command her players to do stuff.
What difficulties does the ADRD face?
TRACIE: Getting gear is really hard here because no one sells quad skates!
SUE: There’s no indoor venue – it’s a tough gig as people don’t want to skate outside here. We’re talking to Du Forum who are looking at helping us, but we also need sponsorship!
So what’s next for you guys?
SUE: To get big and fill Du Forum up with paying people to watch our games. This sport has a big following overseas: in Australia we used to get 4000 people to a game, imagine what we could do here!
TRACIE: A game next year with Dubai Roller Derby and maybe even the Cairo group
How can people get started with derby here?
TRACIE: Put on some skates and be your own hero…that’s from the movie ‘Whip It’.
SUE: Give it a go… it’s amazing fun. Derby is hard and fun and gets under your skin. It builds confidence and is empowering. It accepts all body shapes and does not discriminate. I was one of those kids that was average at most sports I played. In this case whether I’m good or not is irrelevant, I feel like I’m awesome when I play roller derby and that’s what is fun about it. It’s a little big edgy but a whole lot amazing… just get your skates on and come and join us!
The Abu Dhabi Roller Derby:
Sue Mercer. 41. Australian. Military (in Australia)/ Mother – Derby name: Suelander
Amanda. 45. American. Teacher. Derby name: Kamanda
Tracie. 39. Canadian. Lawyer. Derby name: Nerd Badger
Christopher (Referee). 39. Canadian. Teacher
Janice. 30’s – American. Teacher.
Lisa. 30’s. American. Mother.
Heather. 30’s. American. Hospital Administrator.
Maria. 20’s. UK. Teacher.
Shali. 20’s. Indian. Engineer.
Roller derby is played by over 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, with nearly half of them outside the United States. The sport has its origins in the banked-track roller skating marathons of the 1930s. Professional roller derby has become popular as a form both of entertainment as well as a show of athleticism. Modern roller derby is dominated by all-female amateur teams who emphasize a strong do-it-yourself ethic, and a feminist aesthetic. (Source: Wikipedia)
