World cup an invaluable experience for local skaters
12 skaters from Modderfontein left South Africa for Dallas in December 2014 to represent the country for the first time at the Roller Derby World Cup.
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Although the team managed to win one unofficial game, they said important lessons were drawn from their first ever participation on the international stage.
The group went through a baptism of fire when they faced New Zealand, Wales, Norway, Netherlands and Spain.
Team spokesperson, Ms Melinda Lotz, said they were challenged to start believing in themselves and also had an opportunity to benchmark their abilities against the best in the world.
“The World Cup taught us that we are far more advanced in terms of skills and talent than we originally gave ourselves credit for. Although we actually only won one unofficial game, the track experience and coaching we received was invaluable. We are extremely proud of the strength and athleticism the team showed during the two-week tour,” she said.
The team will be participating in a variety of events this year, including the C-Max Home Season where the three Johannesburg home teams battle it out over several months.
“The Raging Warmones currently hold the title, so the Thundering Hellcats, ranked second and the Slam Damsels, ranked third, will be battling it out to take the headline slot,” said Ms Lotz.
“We also have great pop-up derby events being held around the country and so much more. The men‘s team is also in full recruitment swing right now, with men joining this amazing sport daily. We are also always striving to help out with charity events and our charity committee has some amazing fundraisers planned,” said added.
Ms Lotz said the team is currently struggling with a venue for practice sessions, as the current venue is being demolished.
“We are looking for a large, concrete-floored warehouse to rent in Johannesburg. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated,” she said.
The team can be contact directly through Ms Lotz via email at cmaxrollerderby@gmail.com