CR RollerGirls Ask City Council for Funding

By Jillian Petrus, Reporter

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Oct 23, 2012 at 10:44 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 24, 2012 at 7:26 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Cedar Rapids RollerGirls are not skating around the issue anymore.

They need more money to keep their team in motion.

"We are league owned and volunteer," said team member, Janelle Solverg. "We pay our own dues, we pay for those practice facilities, we pay for everything we do to run our league."

The ladies made their case to the city council on Tuesday. They say their squad can be just as popular as the Cedar Rapids Titans and the Kernels, but they need city support to make it happen.

"To be held up on that level, with all the community advertising and community support, would be amazing," said team member, Jillian Knapp. "I don't think people realize how much of a commitment it is financially."

The team wants a new practice facility, one that's safer and a bit more affordable. They're also looking for help covering their general fees. Roller Derby has grown in popularity over the past several years in Iowa. It's expanded from four to about twenty teams across the state. This growth, the ladies say, ensures a lot of spectators and revenue for the city.

"Once we become full members of WFTDA [Women's Flat Track Derby Association] we can host national and regional tournaments. That would bring in thousands of people," said teammate, Nichole Woods.

The team is not requesting a specific amount of funding- but know if they don't get some help they might be knocked down for good.

"If we don't get help, we might have to stop," Woods said, "and we want to continue as long as we possibly can."

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