Each year, autumn rolls into Fort Collins with bright leaves, and crisp cool nights. As the year comes to a close we savor our pumpkin-spiced treats, burrow into our coziest sweaters, and reflect on the year that has passed. For many people this is a treasured time of togetherness and gratitude, and the same is true for the members of FoCo Roller Derby.
Most roller derby leagues throughout the country, (including FCRD) are skater-run and organized. Collectively, skaters, officials, and volunteers put in hundreds of hours of work to make this league happen. We get out what we put in.
But, the upkeep of our derby league is a labor of love:
- Hand-laying track for bouts
- Coordinating events
- Ensuring the safety of training programs for brand-new skaters
- Fundraising and applying for grants
- Training officials and referees
- Recruiting new skaters
- Designing merchandise for fans
So why take on this work? What does roller derby give back to the people who invest their (very literal) blood, sweat, and tears into making it happen?
We asked our skaters to reflect on what the sport and the league has brought to their lives, and what they are grateful for this fall season:
Crusher:
“I’m thankful for Foco Roller Derby because it has given me the friends and community that I’ve been looking for. I love having a place where I can exercise, gain skills, and laugh with others. It’s provided me a much needed stress relief and built up my confidence by showing me that I can do hard things and achieve skills I never thought I’d be able to. I’m stoked to continue my journey in the league!”
AR-15:
“I’m thankful for derby, and for our league in particular, because it’s given me confidence, friends, and professional experience. When I joined in 2009 I made instant, lifelong friends with multiple people in my new recruit class and later with the rest of the league. I started volunteering on the Public Relations committee and as my career evolved I moved into Finance and now have served as President for the past two years. I wouldn’t know what to do without this wonderful league!”
Uncut Jamz:
“I am thankful for roller derby and our league because it has given me the confidence and self-acceptance that I was lacking. I’ve never felt more myself than when I started roller derby. I’m so thankful for the sport and this spectacular group of humans that I get to play it with.”
And as a league, we are grateful for each and every one of you! Whether you’re a skater, official, volunteer, fan, friend, or family member, we at Foco Roller Derby are so grateful for your support and engagement all year round. Those of us who are lucky enough to experience the exhilaration, joy, and community that is Foco Roller Derby thank you for anything and everything you have contributed to our league and our sport, and hope that roller derby has, in some way, given back to you as well.
