Skate, Battle, Roll! Roller Derby Tri-State Mash-up on Feb. 16 | Community Spirit

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - The Cape Girardeau Roller Girls present their first bout of the season Saturday, February 16, in the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the bout begins at 7 p.m. The season opener is a “mash-up,” with skaters from Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky battling on both teams.

As the CGRG waits to receive nonprofit status, the team donates proceeds from every bout to a local charity. Having played only two full seasons, donations thus far total well over $10,000. Southeast Hospice will be the recipient of Saturday’s donation and received $575 from the team last year. The team is diverse in its giving with previous recipients including Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, Safe Harbor Animal Shelter, Man Exam and many other local charities.

Now in their third season, the CGRG is comprised of women ranging in age from 21 to 50 who represent students, stay-at-home moms, and professionals from all walks of life. Many people are unaware of the time commitment the skaters give to practice as well as to publicity, sponsor support and to charities. In addition to committing to five hours of weekly practice, team members must make public appearances and volunteer on team committees. Many skaters participated in the Polar Plunge Saturday for Special Olympics.

Team President, Julie Moser Strickland, a.k.a Bobbie Soxxx, explains, “We encourage any female over 18 to join the team or at least come to observe a practice. We have some extremely talented athletes on our team, but we also have women join who haven’t been on eight wheels since childhood. Contrary to stereotypes the public may have about roller derby, we are a very encouraging, supportive community.”

A schedule of practices, bouts and publicity events can be found on the team’s website: www.CapeGirardeauRollerGirls.com; the team also has a Facebook page.

Although roller derby is a very physical, contact sport, Strickland stresses the CGRG takes pride in keeping their bouts family friendly. Fans, especially children, are invited to the track after each bout to take photos and get autographs. Adults are encouraged to visit the ‘After Party’ at Pitter’s Cafe, one of the team’s sponsors, which usually begins around 10 p.m.

Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door, and can be purchased at Pitter’s, P. Mac Music, online at www.brownpapertickets.com or from any member of the Cape Girardeau Roller Girls.

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