Children scramble for lollies in their creative Halloween costumes at last year's Hell-O-Wheels. Photo / Mark Coker
Children scramble for lollies in their creative Halloween costumes at last year's Hell-O-Wheels. Photo / Mark Coker
Families chasing some adrenalin for Halloween this year can enjoy the fast-paced exhilaration of live roller derby while raising money for a cause.
This year's Hell-O-Wheels event is being held tomorrowfrom 6pm at the Sportsdrome, Queens Drive. Game fanfare starts at 6.45pm.
Rotorua Roller Derby League marketing and events co-ordinator Layla Robinson says this will be the Sulphur City Steam Rollers' final home game of the 2018 season.
All of the team's events help to fundraise for their league to go towards the likes of travel costs, but for this year's Hell-O-Wheels they are fundraising for New Zealand derby in general, she says.
This is inspired by the team Crazy Legs which the Sulphur City Steam Rollers will be playing against tomorrow.
Crazy Legs skates out for invisible illness - mental and chronic illnesses.
Layla says Sulphur City Steam Rollers aim to raise $1400 to send seven representatives from derby leagues across the country to attend the new St John Mental Health First Aid course.
She says these members can then bring information back to the leagues and committee members.
"Sometimes when team mates are going through a crisis you don't know how to help them.
"Hopefully this will mean we are better equipped to help each other when we have tough times."
Layla says Hell-O-Wheels is not like a regular sporting event.
There will be face painting for those who want a Halloween twist and there are prizes to give away to people dressed up in Halloween costumes.
There is also a lolly scramble at half-time.
She says the sport itself is fast-paced with big teams made up of women.
Roller derby is a fast-paced contact sport. Photo / Mike Taylor
"There's a lot of hard hits, speed and strategy, and a lot of excitement. It's really exhilarating to watch."
It is a great option for families looking to do something for Halloween with the children, she says.
Layla says supporting people with an invisible illness is important, especially in a team environment.
She says if people are open about how they are feeling and if they are struggling, then it puts team mates in a better position to be there, listen and be a bit more patient.
"When they come out the other side they will be that strength for you, should you need it."
She says they are also taking cash donations, so if people cannot go to Hell-O-Wheels and want to donate they can email sc.steamrollers@gmail.com.
Tickets are available for Hell-O-Wheels from Ticketmaster. There will also be door sales. It costs $15 for adults, $7 for children and $40 for families - two adults and two children.
