When you think of the Pacific Northwest, it’s the proverbial coffee shop and days of endless rain that come to mind. We Northwesterners are well aware of our reputation, and for the most part we don’t do much to change those perceptions. More recently, our reputation has changed a bit as roller derby has taken over the I-5 corridor with more than 6 leagues battling for dominance on both the flat and banked track. With over 12 derby leagues forming globally weekly, it is clear that this sport is no passing fad. But hang on, something new is brewing…and it’s coming by way of Donna ‘The Hot Flash’ Kay, Lisa ‘Smokin’ Guns’ Moody and Deb ‘Diz Ruptive Thunder’ Carlsen. Not only is it new, it is unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the current world of derby. After being part of the Rat City Rollergirls and the Tilted Thunder Rail Birds, The Hot Flash decided there needed to be some changes. So she sold her real estate business and created OneWorld Roller Derby (OWRD) where both Smokin Guns and Diz Ruptive Thunder joined the ranks as co-
founders to see OWRD’s mission come to life.
Far Left, Lisa ‘Smokin’ Guns’ Moody. Center, Deb ‘Diz Ruptive Thunder’ Carlsen. Far Right, Donna ‘The Hot Flash’ Kay.
OWRD is taking the Old School Derby Association (OSDA) mainstream and in just 5 months of recruitment the league has established 4 teams, junior derby, co-ed derby, and separate advanced skater practices that will eventually form an All Star travel team.
OWRD isn’t here to challenge WFTDA, rather to provide an alternative mode of competition that puts more focus on the basic skills of skating, communicating and playing safely. OWRD works together to offer another way to bring athletes together while providing a zero tolerance policy for negativity about any person or group. It is clearly understood and agreed that we are training, improving, and offering alternatives, a place where all are welcome regardless of skill level. Whether your end result is to skate for a traditional roller derby team, to get healthy, to become more active, or to expand your social life…OWRD is designed to be competitive, athletic, recreational, and instructional. Another key difference is that OWRD is structured with no tryouts, no committees and only attendance requirements apply to All Star skaters. Our members range from people wanting exercise, to top notch athletes, and there is a place here for all levels of participation as well as continual opportunity to change your intention along the way. We believe that life is about helping one another through the pack which is not limited to roller derby. So I guess to sum it up, OWRD is just trying to make our little slice of the world a better place by having an open door policy and facilitating opportunities to experience this phenomenal sport. What’s next for OWRD you wonder? The Hot Flash intends on starting up a deaf derby league/team in the very near future. By the time this is published, be prepared to hear about our bouts and All Star team. Just like the rotation of the Earth, OWRD cannot be stopped.
For more information please visit our website http://www.oneworldrollerderby.com or give us a call toll free at (505) 4DERBY3.
-Deb ‘Diz Ruptive Thunder’ Carlsen
