Get ready Lansing. Something big is rolling into town this summer.
From August 26-28, Greater Lansing will host the
Women's Flat Track Derby Association Division II Playoffs at the
Summit Sports and Ice Complex. This first-time event for Lansing, say organizers, will bring 10 teams, 200 athletes and up to 1,500 spectators to experience the unique, competitive sport in a family-friendly setting.
"This is a unique sport to bring to Lansing, and exposes our community and our youth to another athletic option," says Meghan Ziehmer, sports events manager for the
Greater Lansing Sports Authority. "While it's not mainstream, roller derby is very competitive and a lot of fun."
Ziehmer says the Greater Lansing Sports Authority, the Summit and the
Lansing Derby Vixens worked as equal partners to bring the Division II playoffs to the area. Teams will come from all over the United States to participate, building on the roller derby culture that has attracted an avid following in Lansing for more than five years.
"Moving into 11 years in the modern roller derby revolution, this sport has established its competitive pathways with WFTDA tournaments like these," says Chelsea Fristoe of the Lansing Derby Vixens. "We have had women who have played sports their entire lives and women who have never done anything athletic prior to joining the league. On that level, derby has brought an enormous empowerment and general awesomeness to upwards of 200 women, men and girls."
The Lansing Derby Vixens were formed in April 2010 and have steadily grown into one of Michigan's top roller derby leagues. The league regularly practices at the Westside YMCA and the Summit, and is a dues-paying member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.
The Division II Playoffs will be open to the public and held at the Summit Sports and Ice Complex in Dimondale. For more information, click
here.
Source: Meghan Ziehmer, Sports Events Manager, Greater Lansing Sports Authority
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Capital Gains? Email Ann Kammerer here.
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