iSisters *hearts* Slaughter Daughters

By Laura Wesley, iSisters Volunteer Journalist

The stands were full of sweaty fans at the aptly named "Swelter Sketler" Roller Derby Bout at a stadium in Kanata on August 22nd.  We'd learned about the home team, the Slaughter Daughters, after a donation was made from funds raised at their last event. We cheered loudly, drowned out by the excited screams from painted and costumed supporters as they took on the Green Mountain Derby Dames from Vermont.

iSisters' founder & CEO, Cathy Lewis, Board member Diana Vidal, and volunteer Laura Wesley cheering on Slaughter Daughters at Roller Derby Bout in Kanata, Ontario.

Photo by Fran Harding

Nothing could distract from the unbelievable speed and drive of the Slaughter Daughters. The jammers are the fastest skaters on the team, distinguishable by the helmet cover with a star on it. Eight of the toughest women you've ever seen skate around the track blocking the opposing team's jammer and helping their own to pass.  Each member of the opposite team passed by the jammer is a point on the scoreboard.

I was surprised to bump into some friends I hadn't seen in a while; this was the first time any of us had seen a bout. What a great introduction to the sport; our home team looped the competition twice with a score of 170 to 67.

Not only were the two 30-minute periods entertaining to watch, the game was played in a spirit of respect and camaraderie. Players, coaches and referees would kneel down on one knee if anyone got hurt.  Everyone cheered once sure that an injured player was okay. This is a community of passionate and strong women; much like those involved with iSisters.

The burning question on everyone's mind was; were the fish nets and hot pants mandatory? According to the team captain, Dee Dee Tee, the names and uniforms are an expression of each player's creativity and add personality to the sport. With names like Soul Rekker and Screaming Meanie Massacre, it's clear these women like to have fun!

The Rideau Valley Roller Girls is an Ottawa-based all-female, not-for-profit Roller Derby league run by the skaters. They have donated money raised from their derbies to a number of local charities that support women and children, including Nelson House, Ottawa Food Bank, Harmony House, Venus Envy Bursary Fund and iSisters Technology Mentoring.

Roller derby is a cheap, enjoyable and guilt-free evening-out with or without the kids! Unfortunately Saturday's game was the last of the season so you'll have to keep an eye out for them next year.