{Women Who Move Buffalo} Queen City Roller Girls

Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.

These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.

Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.

People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.

The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.

If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.

For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.

{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }

"It was love at first skate"

-B