Keweenaw Roller Derby’s home opener will take place on May 9, at Calumet Colosseum, where it will take on Mid-State Roller Derby in a showdown. (Photo courtesy of Keweenaw Roller Derby)

CALUMET — Roller Derby season will officially kick off next Saturday with Keweenaw Roller Derby’s season opener taking place May 9 at Calumet Colosseum. KRD will face Mid-State Roller Derby in a 6 p.m. showdown.

Formerly Keweenaw Roller Girls, KRD was formed in 2012 and offers and alternative athletic opportunity for those who do not typically fit the sporting-mold. 

Roller Derby competitors are often women, but KRD’s website says it welcomes those regardless of athletic ability, shape, gender orientation or expression — just those who seek community. 

KRD head referee Liz Ross, said everyone has a place in KRD, regardless of their background. 

“We work really hard to be a welcoming place in the community,” she said. “So we like to say that regardless of athletic, age, size and [orientation] — all of that — we can find a place for you in the league.”

As the head referee, Ross said she found her best fit off the flat track. She enforces the rules and safety regulations during these events.

As a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, KRD fosters a sense of community outside the flat track as well. Ross said KRD, as a non-profit organization, has an important role with community partnerships and service.

“We do try to volunteer hours where we are volunteering our own hours to different community organizations,” she said. “Last year, we volunteered at the local farm throughout the season. This year, we’ve signed up to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.”

KRD also helps out local organizations during their home events. Next Saturday’s match will feature Keweenaw Queers, as it is gearing up and taking donations for Keweenaw PrideFest in June. 

Ross said KRD’s brand of half-time activity is similar to chuck-a-puck, seen commonly at hockey games. Its own spin is called whip-a-wheel, where participants try and aim for the center of the track, much like in hockey’s half time festivities. 

“It takes 40 volunteers for us to put on each event we host,” she said. “That can be people coming from within the league and fulfilling the position then it can also be community members coming in and helping us out.”

Tickets to KRD versus Mid-State Roller Derby at Calumet Colosseum are pay as you are able and are low as $10. The funds go directly to the team to help improve its operations.

Tickets can be found at keweenawrollergirls-861277.square.site/season-passes-and-tickets.