Athens Ohio Roller Derby (AORD) will end their phenomenal season by hosting Rollergeist ‘23 at 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.
The league promises to bring a ghoulish good time at the Halloween-themed event when their well-known A Team, The Appalachian Hell Betties, take on West Virginia’s Chemical Valley Roller Derby.
Tickets are available for $10 online or at the door. Children under 10 will be admitted free. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid sell out and/or long lines at the door.
Beverages will be provided by longtime sponsors Jackie O’s Brewery and West End Cider House. AORD is proud to partner with Rural Action and participate in Zero Waste initiatives at their events.
“This has been an extraordinary year for the Hell Betties. We have been able to bring flat track roller derby back to Athens this season with not one but three home bouts. This season we have enjoyed being able to introduce new skaters and reintroduce some of the crowd favorites. As head coach for many years, I am so proud of what we have accomplished and I look forward to this final bout of the season and on to the next,” said head coach Shelly Tracey, better known as Vodka Tonic on the track.
Athens Ohio Roller Derby sees wonderful turnouts with high energy at home bouts from the supportive community. If anyone is interested in roller derby but isn’t ready to lace up skates, they can volunteer in many different capacities including track set up, ticket sales, beer sales, and many non-skating official duties. Volunteers also enjoy free admission to events as well as many other perks. More information about volunteering can be found at www.aord.org/volunteer.
A portion of the bout’s proceeds will benefit The Hive of Nelsonville, which is a free drop-in center for youth in 1st-12th grade. The Hive provides a safe place for kids to be during out of school time. They also offer access to healthy meals and snacks, recreational activities, mentoring, and connect children and families with community resources and mental health care. The staff at The Hive meet kids and families where they are and recognize their unique interests, abilities, and talents as well as their challenges. AORD and The Hive have an extraordinary working relationship and the league has hosted several skate sessions where The Hive kids have learned the basics of skating and enjoyed meeting the team.
“The Hive is always looking for creative ways to give kids a physical outlet and to learn things like teamwork and growth mindset. Partnering with AORD to offer skate clinics was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to build confidence and try new things. Our youth need venues for having fun with healthy, safe adult role models. The Betties were so encouraging and patient. We look forward to skating with them again!” said Katie Fox, director of The Hive.
Source: The Athens News