The home opener for the Fort McMurray Roller Derby League (FMRDL) is fast approaching.
However, the league is in need of volunteers like in-game officials, merchandise table staff, and medical personnel to help make the event possible.
League treasurer and skater, Kim Wheeler, says the door is always open.
“We always need volunteers, so if anybody is interested, they can reach out to us through our website and email.”
Last year, two roller derby events were cancelled because the FMRDL couldn’t muster enough volunteer support.
This year’s home opener will feature a triple-header of games at Mac Island on Apr. 6, 2019.
“There’s lots of roller derby action!” Wheeler said. “The Tar Sand Betties, your hometown heroes, will be playing at 3pm against the Calgary Jane Deeres, and then at 5pm against the Fort St. John Killbillies. Then the last game of the night will be the Jane Deeres against the Killbillies.”
The team relies on ticket sales to cover the cost of renting the venue.
Before then, the Tar Sand Betties and the coed team, Crude Assassins, open the 2019 campaign on the road in Edmonton.
Both teams will play the Oil City Derby Girls and the coed Near Death Oddities on Mar. 9, 2019, respectively.
Newfoundland update
Fundraising for the Tar Sand Betties roller derby team’s trip to Newfoundland is rolling along.
So far, the team raised one-thousand dollars for them and the junior team, the Athabashers, to make the trip.
“We’re very excited to go to Newfoundland.” Says Kim Wheeler. “We have a few of our own skaters that are from there, so they’re excited to go and play in front of their family as well.”
Not only is the team selling chocolates, but they are also holding an online fundraiser as well.
The game against the 709s of Newfoundland is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2019.
