WATCH: Durban Roller Derby is on the map and we hear about how one Durbanite got into it
We take a closer look at a Durbanite's journey to joining the Durban Roller Derby...
Roller Derby has its roots in the United States and is a "roller skating contact sport played by two teams of fifteen members. Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, mostly in the United States," Wikipedia reports.
Passionate skaters in Durban have found their home in the sport of Roller Derby and have made a family for many Durbanite skaters. Besides the funky and colourful nicknames, there is the athleticism and the culture that this sport brings...
Nikita Norman from Durban, who has always been a sporty person and goes by the name 'Kitastrophic', has found her family in the sport. As she was looking for a sport to get into, she found a post online and decided to give it a go.
Since my first freshie session, where they introduce newbies like me to the sport, I haven’t looked back. I chose Kitastrophic for my Derby name, it’s like catastrophic and it incorporates my name so it suits me perfectly. I’ve also been called The Wall because of my role as a blocker. I’ve been finding my feet in the sport in terms of position. I’ve fallen more times than I can count but you just have to pick yourself up each time and be ready to go again. We also very safety conscious especially wearing the proper protective padding. The sport has also helped me gain confidence and improve my fitness levels.
We know that it hasn't been easy when it comes to being sporty and being around your teams, many people find solace in being active and the sense of camaraderie, but with a revision on how we operate and fun sports such as these for women in Durban, we expect a thriving culture for female sportsmanship.
All the girls are so welcoming and it is what has kept me coming back. The support and the love is incredible. The vibe is awesome and everyone I’ve met since I’ve started have always been helpful. We are an inclusive, tight-knit group and they are like family. Everyone involved in Durban Roller Derby roots for each other which is rare.
WATCH the video by East Coast Radio from a few years back during a Roller Derby event.
Courtesy of YouTube
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