Women’s Roller Derby League Skates Full Speed Ahead
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Relations Contact
Holly Vossel aka Hollydaze, Head of Public Relations
Via email: publicrelations@dupagderbydames.com
Roselle, Illinois (July 8, 2015) – Oh Hot Dame! The DuPage Derby Dames have had an exciting year so far in 2015! The Dames became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as of January 25, 2015. As a charitable roller derby league fostering sports competition, the Dames are thrilled to be recognized as a nonprofit organization. Interested parties are now able to make tax-deductible donations.
Also new in 2015, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) extended full membership status to the DuPage Derby Dames! As of October 9, 2014, the Dames graduated from an apprentice to a member league of WFTDA. WFTDA is the international governing body for the sport of women’s flat track roller derby. The DuPage Derby Dames join the ranks of more than 273 all-female, skater-owned-and-operated leagues worldwide united in leading the growing sport of women's flat track roller derby. The Dames will continue to encourage female empowerment and physical fitness by reflecting WFTDA’s mission to promote “sportswomanship” and athletic development. The league is elated to be welcomed and accepted in such a reputable worldwide organization!
The DuPage Derby Dames broke the top 100 WFTDA leagues at #91 in the April 2015 rankings. Since then, the Dames' charter team, Uproar, has been fiercely training to continue climbing in the rankings. Uproar is currently ranked #96 in WFTDA rankings.
Uproar played in their first tournament June 26–28, 2015 in Lebanon, Missouri, at the Midwest DerbyFest Tournament. The possibility of playing two to six games in a single weekend was daunting—especially knowing that one of the competitors, Quad City Rollers (Davenport, Iowa, ranked 118), was one of the toughest opponents the Dames faced in the past. The Dames were victorious, sweeping the tournament with a 4-bout winning streak and took home their first trophy.
Uproar captain, Squid Pro Quo, #00, had this to say about going into this competition: “Going into the tournament I was very nervous. I know how my body feels after one game and I couldn't imagine how I could play possibly three games in one day!”
Uproar first went head to head with the hosts of the tournament, Mo-kan Roller Girlz (Joplin, Missouri, ranked at 143). Uproar came out on top with a score of 219-108.
The next bout was matched against the Quad City Rollers. Uproar felt the pressure to win not only due to previous losses against the team, but also to stay in the fight for the tournament trophy. A loss would mean a hard fight to win six bouts for the remainder of the tourney. The brackets were not in their favor. Uproar fought hard and finished victorious with an end of 268-87.
Uproar then faced their toughest competition at the tournament. ICT Roller Girls All Stars (Wichita, Kansas, ranked 122) played strong defense and strategic offense. Uproar came out with a win, 195-168.
The championship game, played Sunday, June 28, 2015, would see Uproar once again go head to head with ICT. The Kansas team had fought their way through the secondary bracket. Going into the second half behind, Uproar rallied and closed the point spread, coming out ahead to win the championship 199-164.
Their game wasn't the only thing bringing attention. The Dames rallied together in an act of solidarity and wore vests throughout the tournament dubbing it the “Midwest DerbyVEST.” The Dames’ smiling faces, vests and crazy singing/dancing warmups dubbed them “the sweethearts” of the tournament.
“The tournament was really neat because we got to play teams that we have never met and knew little about. Each game was super fun and competitive. They made us step out of our comfort zone and test our adaptability. This weekend reaffirmed my love for my team and I am excited about where we are going to go next.”—reflections on winning from Squid Pro Quo.
About the DuPage Derby Dames
The DuPage Derby Dames roller derby league, formed in 2010, is the premiere all-female flat track roller derby league in the western suburbs of Chicago, and part of the modern women’s roller derby phenomenon. The league’s mission is to provide the women of their community with an opportunity to get involved in the exciting, fast-paced sport that fosters respect and builds confidence.
The Dames strive to promote athleticism and camaraderie among their skaters through competitive sport, regular practice and do-it-yourself management. Every member exhibits behavior that brings honor and distinction to the league, the sport of roller derby and the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).They are 100 percent skater owned and operated, with members running all facets of league management, including bout production, coaching, marketing, public relations, fundraising and merchandising.
All home bouts and regular practice sessions are held at Coachlite Skate Center, 1291 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Roselle, IL 60172.
Venue Information:
Coachlite Skate Center
1291 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Roselle, IL 60172
(630) 893-4480
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