Ladies’ Death and Derby Society is organizing a cleanup day in honor of Earth Day April 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at Morrisville Rural Cemetery, Cedar Street, Morrisville. Join them or take this opportunity to drop off cans/bottles for their month long bottle and can drive and get $2 off tickets for their home season opener. They will host their first home bout of the season “Let Them Eat Skate” April 30 at the Iceplex in Morrisville against Dirt Road Dears. Doors open at 6 p.m.; bout start is 7 p.m.
Redeemables for the bottle and can drive can also be brought to the Oneida City Recreation Center at 217 Cedar St., Oneida, Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or pickups can be arranged by contacting them at deathandderby@gmail.com or on Facebook by going to Facebook.com/deathandderby.
The league is a not-for-profit organization and fundraising helps with expenses such as practice space rental, uniforms and hosting bouts. Founded in February 2012, Ladies’ Death and Derby Society has members from across Madison County including Hamilton, Poolville, Canastota, Madison, Oneida and Sherrill.
Although roller derby is often associated with the staged image of the 1960’s and 70’s the modern sport is anything but staged. Today the sport is rigorous, athletic and internationally regulated. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and Europe. The teams are organized and run by the skaters and are heavily involved in grassroots community efforts. The 2016 bout season is on its way so keep a lookout for bouts in New Hartford and Morrisville.
Bout sponsorship opportunities are available and those interested in supporting the league can email deathandderby@gmail.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/deathandderby. For more information, visit www.deathandderby.com.