Author: Keweenaw Roller Derby

Keweenaw Roller Derby Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

In light of the current administration’s recent executive order, which seeks to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports, Keweenaw Roller Derby firmly stands in support of our transgender and non-binary athletes. This executive action not only undermines the principles of inclusivity and diversity but also directly targets individuals who have long been integral to the roller derby community.

Keweenaw Roller Derby is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all skaters, officials, volunteers, and fans. We believe that roller derby is for everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, ability, or background.

We affirm and support transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive skaters as full and valued members of our league. Keweenaw Roller Derby follows the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) gender policy, which explicitly welcomes and includes trans women, intersex women, and gender-expansive individuals in women’s roller derby. We also celebrate the contributions of skaters and officials of all gender identities in our league and in the broader roller derby community.

Discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior of any kind has no place in KRD. We actively work to ensure our league is a safe and affirming space where all individuals can thrive. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means continuously educating ourselves, advocating for marginalized communities, and holding each other accountable to the values of respect, acceptance, and empowerment.

The recent executive order threatens to erode these inclusive practices by imposing discriminatory restrictions that disregard the identities and rights of transgender individuals. Keweenaw Roller Derby condemns this action and reaffirms our unwavering support for transgender and non-binary athletes. 

We are calling on fellow athletic organizations, lawmakers, and the public to stand against this hateful and discriminatory action, and advocate for the rights of all athletes to compete in the sports they love as their full, authentic selves. 

Together, we roll forward—stronger, bolder, and united.

ENHANCE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO ROLLER DERBY WITH OPEN GEAR LIBRARY

KRD Giving Bean Coffee & Tea Fundraiser

Purpose: Increase access to roller derby by decreasing financial barriers
Funding: KRD Gear Library and Skater Financial Assistance
Goal: $2,000
Dates: 3/24/2024 – 5/4/2024

Buy coffee and support a skater! Keweenaw Roller Derby (KRD), a 501(c)(3) flat-track roller derby league in the Copper Country, is excited to share our upcoming Giving Bean Coffee & Tea Fundraiser. For every purchase made via this fundraiser, KRD receives up to 40% of the profit. These funds will be allocated to establish a KRD Gear Library and a Skater Financial Assistance fund. These programs aim to alleviate these financial deterrents and make roller derby in the Copper Country accessible to everyone.

To participate safely in roller derby, skaters must be equipped with appropriate gear. A full set of basic, new equipment (skates, pads, helmet, and mouthguard) costs a minimum of $350. This upfront cost to starting roller derby can deter individuals who would benefit physically and mentally from participation in an inclusive, supportive, and driven athletic community. Similarly, there are ongoing dues and insurance costs each skater must pay to maintain membership; the Skater Financial Assistance fund is designed to support skaters who may be facing financial hardship.

Keweenaw Roller Derby is excited to work with you to bring roller derby to more people across the Copper Country! To place an order for the Giving Bean Coffee & Tea Fundraiser, click or scan the following images:

For more information on KRD’s Giving Bean Coffee & Tea Fundraiser and how to support the KRD Gear Library, please visit keweenawrollerderby.com or contact Kara Paavilainen at communityrelations@keweenawrollerderby.com.

KRG Season Closer: Kingsford Krush

THE KEWEENAW ROLLER GIRLS 2017 HOME SEASON CAME TO A CLOSE LAST NIGHT WITH A MATCH AGAINST KINGSFORD KRUSH.

Saturday was hot! Temperatures were in the mid-80’s outside and the interior of the arena quickly warmed to something similar to a hot-yoga class. Unseasonable for certain, but made all the cold beverages that more thirst-quenching. The crowd was thick with seasoned fans and a healthy cheering section of Girl Scouts seated in the stands behind the benches. All were primed to close the season with a high level of excitement.

Keweenaw got off to a strong start with a multi-pass first jam and soon was far ahead in the first half. An unfortunate injury to one of Kingsford’s jammers resulted in a lengthy time out while the skater was assessed trackside. It was certainly a tenuous time for everyone in the arena as we awaited the return to play. We are thankful to report she is home and resting and wish her some swift healing.

With eight skaters remaining on Kingsford’s roster against Keweenaw’s thirteen, Kingsford couldn’t take a defensive hold. Endurance was the name of the game in the second half. Keweenaw has worked diligently the last few months on refining their offensive strategies and it showed with the breeze in which their jammers moved throughout the pack. That’s not to say it was all breezy; several Kingsford blocker’s sent KRG jammers flying on the outside with precision hip clips. In the end however, Kingsford fell to KRG in a score of 58 to 266.

The Upper Peninsula is fortunate to have Kingsford back and rolling after a few year hiatus. Returning with great number, great leadership, and fresh blood, this team is gaining strength. We suspect in a short time they will become quite a contender for Keweenaw and the surrounding leagues.