If you’re curious about roller derby, Saturday is the day to find all you want to know about it! ‘Fresh meat’ is what members of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild call their new recruits. A term of endearment, the LRDG is looking to expand their supply of fresh meat by hosting a ‘Fresh Meat on a Bun’ fundraiser and recruitment event!

Join members of the LRDG in the parking lot of Lethbridge Vehicle and Licensing (2045 Mayor Magrath Dr. S.) Saturday, June 9 from noon to 4 p.m. Skaters will be on hand, offering a burger or hot dog with chips and drink for only $5 and to answer all your questions about the sport of roller derby as well as fundraise for their 2012 summer season.

“Since we started as a league back in 2010, there’s been an explosion of leagues appearing all over Alberta,” says league Vice President Martina Emard, aka Cherri Blaster. “There are over 20 leagues in Alberta now. It’s a great time to be a roller derby player. Everyone wants to play!”

Emard encourages anyone who is interested in the sport to come down and talk to the members to find out what roller derby is all about.

“For most, roller derby is not what they initially thought it was after talking to a player. There are still misconceptions about the sport, but I assure you, we work hard and train to play hard,” says Emard.

New recruits are expected to attend practice twice a week until they build their skating skills and learn the rules of the game. However, fresh meat must pass a skating skill exam and written rules exam before being allowed to play.

“We won’t put you on skates, push you on the track and just start hitting you. Even if you have no skating experience, we will teach you,” says Emard. “We have loaner gear for all who want to give roller derby a try.”

The recruitment event on June 9 will give potential fresh meat the opportunity to chat with roller derby members, but the LRDG is accepting new recruits at any time. Email iwanttoderby@lethbridgerollerderby.ca or visit their website at www.lethbridgerollerderby.ca for more information about joining.

“Even if you don’t want to skate, we love meeting our fans! Come on out for some food and support your local roller derby team,” says Emard. Snacks, LRDG merch, Finger 11/Gob concert tickets and advance tickets to the league’s upcoming June 23 game will also be available! All proceeds go to the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild in support of their summer bout season! Thank you for your support!