Rotorua hosts 'Spooktacular' roller derby

The Sulphur City Steam Rollers roller derby team will be in action at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome on Saturday. Photo / Mike Coker

The Sulphur City Steam Rollers' (SCSR) final match of the season, against Team Crazy Legs at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome on Saturday,will also be a fundraiser for a special cause.

Inspired by their opposition, who skate for invisible illnesses and mental health, the team aims to raise $1400 during the Hell-O-Wheels Spooktacular to send seven representatives from derby leagues across the country to attend the new St John Mental Health First Aid course.

Sulphur City Steam Rollers marketing and events co-ordinator Layla Robinson said mental health was a cause that many of the players had first-hand experience with.

"A lot of us have ongoing issues with mental health and keeping that at bay. Most people now are pretty comfortable with each other and will talk about it, but sometimes people's situations are a bit intense and beyond our knowledge of how to help them.

"This new course that St John has brought in looks really good and it will better equip the leaders in our leagues around the country to help our players and keep them on track.

"Derby is definitely a wicked outlet and it gets the endorphins going, releases some tension. It's a really positive thing for people, but sometimes that doesn't quite cut it, so we need to go a bit deeper."

SCSR will be fielding a mixed-level team for the match, with a focus on enjoying themselves.

"I think [the spectators] will see a lot more fun than they may normally see when they watch a roller derby game. I would say it's still going to have some pretty big hits and high-speed action, but the two teams playing are both made up of a mixed level of skaters."

Spectators are encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit with prizes for the best adult and child Halloween costumes, as well as for those with the best supporter's sign for their favourite team or skater.

There will also be free face painting, a trick or treat lolly scramble, merchandise, food and drink for sale.

For those interested in giving roller derby a go, the SCSR are holding an open night at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome on Monday, October 29, from 6pm. For more information email sc.steamrollers@gmail.com

The Hell-O-Wheels Spooktacular
Where: Southern Trust Sportsdrome
Doors open: 6pm
Game start: 6.45pm
Estimated end time: 8.45pm

Prices:
$15 adult
$7 child (13 years and under)
$40 family (2 adults and 2 kids)
3 years and under enter free