350 Roller Derby Athletes to roll into Bendigo

 

With some 350 athletes and 75 officials the Bendigo Rebellion Roller Derby Tournament is the biggest roller derby event ever to be held in Victoria.   

Hosted by Skate Victoria the 16 teams from across Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales will battle it out over two huge days at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on November 1 and 2. 

Skate Victoria CEO Gloria Hawken said Skate Victoria has been working with roller derby leagues in Victoria and Tasmania since the sport first started in Australia back in 2007.

“Back then there was only one roller derby club in Victoria, the Victorian Roller Derby League.  Fast forward to 2014 and there are over 20 as well as 6 in Tasmania.

“We are thrilled to be able to support such a large event, the first of its size in Victoria.  Many of our member leagues are in isolated regions of the state, and their access to competition can be limited.  This event will bring all of the clubs together under one roof for two-huge days of roller derby action. 

“Bendigo just seemed like the right place to take this inaugural event to.  It is such a lovely city, rich in history and full of activities for our visiting athletes to see and do when they are not playing.

“The facilities at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre suited our needs perfectly and with the help of the City of Greater Bendigo and the local club, Dragon City Derby Dolls we knew we couldn’t go wrong,” said Ms Hawken.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Barry Lyons said the City’s Major Events Unit is working hard to attract a variety of events to the city and he welcomed the Roller Derby to Bendigo.

“This will highlight the sport in our region and should prove a great sporting event for both young and older people.  It will also provide some great benefits for our local economy,” said Cr Lyons.

The 16 teams will play 23 games on two tracks over two days.  Particular highlights will be the finals starting at 2pm on the Sunday as well a men’s exhibition game.

Over 350 athletes and 75 officials will be travelling from all over Victoria and Tasmania including Broken Hill, Mildura, Wimmera, Ballarat, Geelong and Hobart as well as special guests from Adelaide, Canberra and Queensland.

Bendigo is home to the Dragon City Derby Dolls, Bendigo’s only roller derby league.

For more information visit City of Greater Bendigo