The wheels have fallen off a popular sport in Enderby.
The River Town Roller Girls team is disbanding because of work commitments, members moving, injuries and pregnancies.
“They are a great bunch of people,” said Mayor Dee Wejr, who, along with city council, was notified of the decision.
Wejr believes the team helped bring residents together and bolster community pride.
“I was amazed at how many people came out to watch the derby.”
Amy Bell, Roller Girls president, says the team was overwhelmed by the support it received from the community.
“We wish to thank the City of Enderby and all of our sponsors and individual volunteers so very much for all of the help, support and love they have shown us,” she said in a letter to council.
“Roller derby is a sport that evokes strength in the women who play, and brings friendship and laughter with it. Each and every player, past and present, has benefitted emotionally and physically from her time in derby. The city has been a huge part of that and we thank you from the bottom of our wheels.”
Once operating costs are covered, any money associated with the team will be donated to local charities.
Home turf for the team was the Enderby Arena and it provided bookings during hockey’s off-season.
“It drew people to the building,” said Coun. Greg McCune.
“That building is there for the community and the more we can use it, the better.”
While the River Town Roller Girls has folded, McCune believes it may be just a temporary situation and roller derby will be turning heads in the future.
“I hope in a year or two, the team will regroup and come back,” he said.
