Roller derby is a fast-paced, full contact sport on roller skates, where skaters often take on ‘derby personas’ with creative names, outfits and face paint.
RADfest takes its name from the Regional Alliance Derby, presenting skaters from ages 8 to 18, all the way from Tasmania to Cairns and converging in Mackay for this years’ event.
Mackay City Rollers has secured a lineup of experienced coaches from all over Australia, including ‘Pure NRG’ from Sydney, Col Dennis from Toowoomba, ‘Rumpofsteelskin’ from Brisbane and ‘Heat Seeker’, from Hobart.
‘Heat Seeker’, who co-captained alongside Mackay’s very own ‘Dust Devil’ for Team Australia Juniors in France, is hitting the town fresh from his World Cup success.
This team of talented skaters brought home the Bronze Medal after an epic weekend of derby, wearing the green and gold in Vallance, France.
Joining them on the track for the RADfest weekend are several fellow Team Australia skaters, as well as Mackay’s own home-grown talent and other skaters from across Australia.
Mackay City Rollers President ‘Splitz’ says, “We are excited to have such an array of experienced coaches attending this weekend, to impart their many years of skating and roller derby knowledge to our juniors. Regional events like this are so critical in developing our regional skater[s].”
‘Splitz’ also states that Mackay City Rollers are trying to offer local skaters the highest-level coaching available in Australia to further develop their skills, with many setting their sights on representing Queensland at Nationals in 2024 and competing in the 2025 World Cup in Brisbane.
RADfest will be open to the public from 6pm on Saturday, September 15 at Mackay PCYC. An invitational Level 3 Junior bout (or game) will be held for spectators.
Mackay City Rollers is an inclusive roller derby league catering to both seniors and juniors, with
training every Wednesday at Mackay PCYC. No skating experience is required, and the league provides skates and protective gear to help you get rolling.
Visit Mackay City Rollers on Facebook or email president.mcrollers@gmail.com for more information.
For all media enquiries or photo opportunities at the event, please contact: president.mcrollers@gmail.com or call 0424 349 183.
Mackay City Rollers is set to host RADfest, a bootcamp and scrimmage event for the annual Junior Roller Derby weekend commencing September 16th and 17th.
Mackay City Rollers put their skills on display at a local skate park.
Photo Credit: Mackay City Rollers
Junior members show great sportsmanship during their training session
