Between February 24ñ26, 2006, Tucson, AZ will be over-run by ferocious and dedicated amateur rollergirls from across the nation. Tucson Roller Derby will host sister leagues from around the country while these do-it-yourself, flat-track skaters compete in a ground-breaking tournament to determine the nation's first-ever Dust Devil national champion team.
ìThe Dust Devil tournament is history in the making,î said Tucson Roller Derby founder Kim Sin, ìand itís sure to be the first of many annual and semi-annual competitions in this burgeoning, full-contact womenís sport.î
The Dust Devil invitational is the result of last Julyís conference, during which 55 women representing 20 leagues met for three days to coordinate a common set of rules for inter-league flat-track bouts.
ìThis tournament is the next step in the growth of our sport,î said Melissa ëMeliciousí Joulwan, a member of the Texas Rollergirls in Austin, TX. ìWeíve all been waiting for the chance to go helmet-to-helmet with skaters from other leagues. And for the first time, flat-track derby fans can see the spectacle and athleticism of hundreds of rollergirls under one roof! All I can say is, ëPut on your protective gear now.íî
Teams representing leagues from all over the country compete for three days against the best in their respective divisions, with each team determined to take home the national title of 2006 Dust Devil Champion. Nearly twenty flat-track leagues have already announced their participation: Arizona Roller Derby, Atlanta Rollergirls, B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls, Carolina Rollergirls, Dallas Derby Devils, Duke City Derby, Houston Roller Derby, Kansas City Roller Warriors, Mad Rolliní Dolls, Minnesota Rollergirls, Providence Roller Derby, Rat City Rollergirls, Rose City Rollers, Sin City Rollergirls, Texas Rollergirls,
Tucson Roller Derby, Windy City Rollers.
ìThe Dust Devil is more roller derby action in one weekend than anyone has seen before," said Natily ëGinger Snapí Blair from Gotham Girls Roller Derby in New York City. ìThis tournament is the first time we can fight for the title of national champs, and any real sports fan won't miss it. It has everything they could possibly want ñ hot all-girl skating action, great music and plenty of derby mayhem!î
The Dust Devil will be played at Bladeworld, 1065 W. Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ from February 24 ñ 26, 2006.
About the Coalition:
The mission of the flat track coalition is to promote and foster the sport of womenís flat-track roller derby by facilitating the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship, and goodwill among member leagues. The governing philosophy is, ìby the skaters, for the skaters.î Women skaters are primary owners, managers, and operators of each member league and of the coalition. The operational tasks of the coalition are to set standards for rules, seasons, and safety, and to determine guidelines for the presentations of the national and international athletic competitions of member leagues. All member leagues have a voice in the decision-making process, and agree to comply with the governing bodyís policies.
For more information about all-girl flat track roller derby, contact Melissa ëMeliciousí Joulwan of the Texas Rollergirls at (512) 431-5649 or melicious@txrollergirls.com.
For more information about Tucson Roller Derby, visit www.tucsonrollerderby.com or contact Kim Sin at (520) 390-1454 or kimsin@tucsonrollerderby.com
Tucson Roller Derby is a skater-run non-profit organization formed in late 2003. Now heading into its third season, TRD holds monthly all-girl, flat-track roller derby bouts which also feature live music, raffles and contests. By the skaters. For the skaters. Always. | 
