Roller derby ladies skate for school drive

Pacific Roller Derby has joined the Hawaii Jaycees to support the 4th Annual Adopt A School Day, a statewide grassroots effort to establish awareness and service to Hawaii’s schools.

This call for service hits close to home for the hip-checking rollergirls—many of whom are mothers and teachers. Rookie rollergirl Kuchi 2Sox is a teacher at Leihoku Elementary school in Waianae. After completing the Pacific’s roller derby boot camp, an intensive 6-to-8 week training program that prepares skaters to pass a required minimum skills test, Kuchi compared student time in the classroom to teacher time on the flat-track.

“I can’t help to think that my kids go through the same thing,” Kuchi said. “The same anxiety, the same uncertainty, and the same feeling of excitement and joy when they finally complete a task.”

Kuchi said that roller derby has taught her to be more patient and confident and that the sport reminds her to continue encouraging her own students to do their best.

Skaters will kick off their pledge to support Leeward-based elementary schools by hosting a “Back to School Daze” scrimmage and school supply drive this Saturday featuring Lunch Ladies and Gym Teachers in the feared “roller derby cage” at The Hideaway Club. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used school supplies ranging from pens and pencils to binders, backpacks, and more, to this Saturday’s family friendly event.

Admission is $7 for the general public, $5 for military fans with a valid ID, and free for keiki 12 and under. Non-military fans are required to RSVP at www.pacificrollerderby.com by midnight on Friday, August 26 to gain access to the Coast Guard Air Station for the afternoon event, or be sponsored by an active military duty member.

Fans are encouraged to bring beach chairs for seating and can enjoy live roller derby, a bake sale, and show league support by purchasing Pacific Roller Derby t-shirts, aprons, and more. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the bout begins at 4:00 p.m., followed by live music by local rockers Boy and Sea and Ever After Ever.

The all-ages event turns into an 18-and-up event after sunset, and fans are invited to stay and talk story with their favorite derby girls, referees, and non-skating officials.

For more information, visit www.pacificrollerderby.com.

Back to School Daze Scrimmage
Saturday, August 27 at 4:00 p.m.
The Hideaway Club, USCG Air Station at Barber’s Point
1 Coral Sea Street
$7/$5 admission