Paradise Roller Girls invites skaters of all genders from throughout the island to don their best seaweed skirts and dorsal fins to throw down during the Sharks vs. Mermaids event at 5 p.m. Saturday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
Paradise Roller Girls invites skaters of all genders from throughout the island to don their best seaweed skirts and dorsal fins to throw down during the Sharks vs. Mermaids event at 5 p.m. Saturday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.
Paradise Roller Girls will introduce participants to flat-track roller derby and let the skaters loose.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The fabulous Big Island Babes, PRG’s junior roller derby league, start off with exhibitions at 3 and 3:45 p.m.
Hawaii Wildlife Fund, a small nonprofit working to protect native wildlife in Hawaii nei since 1996, will be tabling the event. During the past year, HWF has helped to remove more than 12 tons of marine debris from the coastline.
The East Hawaii skating team is hosting the event to raise awareness of HWF’s efforts and recruit skaters, referees and volunteers.
“If you have ever been curious about roller derby and want to see what it’s all about, this is the time to come,” said team member Rebecca “Oxford Coma” Rubenstein. “Costumes for skaters are not necessary, but those without them will be judged.
Want even more roller derby? Rubenstein also invites everyone to is “meet and greet” from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Wainaku Gym to consider joining their dynamic, caring and inclusive community — that gets to hit people. Special gifts from the Paradise Roller Girls will be given to everyone who attends.
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Paradise Roller Girls is open to members of all ages, skill and fitness levels. All that we ask for is a positive attitude, dedication and desire to compete. Like most flat-track leagues, Paradise Roller Girls is an amateur sports league, meaning the athletes are not paid — we do it for the love of the sport. We are your mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, daughters and friends. Our league is focused on promoting healthy and athletic lifestyles, while giving back through community service, outreach and charity.
For more information, email paradiserollergirls@gmail.com or visit www.paradiserollergirls.com.
Big Island Babes
Junior roller derby provides keiki with a healthy and fun way to exercise and build self-esteem. We welcome skaters of all abilities, treasuring diversity and celebrating individuality. Find Big Island Babes Junior Roller Derby on Facebook for more info.