Rotorua roller derby players skate out for invisible illness

Team Crazy Legs at last year's Clash of Epic Destruction. Photo/Robbie Booth Photography

Seven members of Rotorua's roller derby league will this weekend be playing as part of Team Crazy Legs against Moana Roller Derby at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre in Tauranga.

Team Crazy Legs is a large and inclusive group of roller derby players, officials and supporters who are affected by mental and/or chronic illness.

The team's tagline is 'Skating out for invisible illness'.

The Team Crazy Legs movement was formed in 2013 in the UK and the concept was brought to New Zealand in 2016 by Dawn Duthie (Thugsy Malone) of Richter City Roller Derby.

"I started Team Crazy Legs because I felt there was a real need to bring awareness to invisible illness, and to break the stigmas attached. What started as a simple idea has grown into a wonderful supportive safe space, and I am constantly blown away by the amazing humans within our derby community."

More than 150 roller derby enthusiasts make up Team Crazy Legs Aotearoa and as often as possible, the team play exhibition games throughout New Zealand.

The roster for Saturday's game includes seven members of the Sulphur City Steam Rollers, all of whom have experienced some form of invisible illness including depression and anxiety.

"I've suffered from depression and anxiety since I was a teenager," chairperson Layla Robinson (Primevil) said.

"With the help of counselling and medication, I'm in a place where I'm okay most days, but still constantly have to fight to lift the black cloud hanging over my head. It can be exhausting."

"Roller derby gives me energy, and a positive physical outlet for my emotions. The people I've met through this empowering sport have made me feel like I'm not alone."

DeArna Branson (Sadistic Doll) agreed.

"I have had depression since the age of 16 and also have bouts of anxiety and historically, panic attacks too. I think knowing that I wasn't the only one has helped me."

This Saturday's Team Crazy Legs roster includes a mixed level of skaters from Wellington, Whakatane, Rotorua and Auckland, and promises to be an exciting game.

Doors open at 3pm with the game starting at 3:30pm. Entry is $10 adults, $5 children (aged 5-14), $5 students (with ID) and under 5s free.