As Women’s History Month is coming to an end, we present our final installment of #WomanCrushWednesday 2014. This series has been extremely inspiring and educational for us as we’ve researched the admirable women among our community.
Since 2005 Philly’s own bad girls club, The Philly Roller Girls, has used intense athleticism to show everyone just how strong ladies can be. Through intense training and competition on the regional, national and international levels, this female roller derby league helps build self-esteem in its members while also teaching leadership skills and forging bonds with local charities.
PRG is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, an organization that was also founded in 2005 and “promotes and fosters the sport of women’s flat track roller derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship, and goodwill amongmember leagues.” PRG also works with numerous non-profits and charities that help out kids and communities in and around the Philadelphia area. Most recently, the league announced its partnership with Philly Girls in Motion, who aim to teach girls and their families about healthy lifestyles, including proper exercise and nutrition.
Philly Roller Girls breaks down into four leagues and a junior league. The Liberty Belles are PRG’s all-star travel team who compete at the highest level of inter-league competitions. The Independence Dolls represent the next rung, also serving as alternates for The Liberty Belles. The Block Party is considered a pick-up team who represents against primarily regional competitors. The Cheese Skates are made up of PRG’s “Fresh Meat” grads and also rep in regionals, and the junior roller derby league is meant for girls ages 6-18 who are looking for an awesome future in the sport.
With pseudonyms like Damage Dahl, Shenita Stretcher, Trixie Trauma and Twiggie Smalls, these sassy ladies with a sense of humor have us crushin’ hard. See them in action at one of their upcoming events, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for up to date news.
