A great letter in my inbox today.

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Hi, Pamie,

How are you? Last year, I wrote to you about how your book helped nudge me into joining my derby league, and I had my first bout March 2011. You were kind enough to write back, which was really awesome.

Anyway, I wanted to pass along to you something I’m super proud that our league is doing. We’ve created a scholarship for a female athlete, not based on athletic ability, but based on her passion for whatever sport she plays in whatever capacity. So many of us who are passionate about roller derby may not have been traditionally successful athletes in the past, and we thought it would be awesome to foster that spirit. The award will be given out based on a brief essay where the athlete can talk about what her sport means to her. (Traditional athletes are still welcome to apply, too.)

Since it has been my pet project, and your influence got me into derby, you are also indirectly responsible for a Connecticut student getting an extra $500 toward school in the fall. That’s kinda rad, right?

There’s info on our website and I’m in the final push of promoting it for applications, as the deadline is next Friday, May 18th and my goal is for us to present the award at our June 9th bout.

Anyway, I just thought this was a cool thing to share with you. The press release for it is below if you are interested in reading more, too.

All the best,

JK Elemenopee
CT RollerGirls
www.facebook.com/ctrollergirls
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PRESS RELEASE
April 13th, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amie “JK Elemenopee” Aragones
CTRG Public Relations
860.385.2874
860.385.CTRG
pr@ctrollerderby.com

CT RollerGirls Announce Scholarship for Woman Athletes

WATERBURY, CT – April 13, 2012 – The CT RollerGirls (CTRG) will be awarding a scholarship to a dedicated and enthusiastic woman athlete this spring. CTRG has created the Cindy Luberto Scholarship to recognize young, woman athletes in Connecticut who have a passion for their sport, whatever it may be.

“Many of our skaters did not consider themselves athletes before finding roller derby, while others have a long history of participating and succeeding in sports. We think it is important to celebrate all types of athletes who embrace their passion for their sport, regardless of whether they are the star of a competitive team or a participant in less structured recreational or intramural sports,” says Kathleen Ebner, who skates under the name Ebolution, a player for CTRG’s Yankee Brutals and Physical Education and Health teacher at Woodland Regional High School.

The recipient will be selected based on a 250 word essay describing her passion for the sport that she plays, with emphasis on how her sport or her participation is unique. Each applicant also must provide a photo of herself in action or representing her sport. Eligibility and application information is available at www.ctrollerderby.com/scholarship or by contacting pr@ctrollerderby.com.

“Being passionate about an activity can change a person’s life. Our skaters have found something special in roller derby, and we want to celebrate that spirit with this scholarship,” says Alison Faruolo (Babe Vigoda), blocker for the Yankee Brutals. “The award is named for Cindy Luberto, the late sister of one of our league’s most positive and supportive former members, Jill Luberto (Paula G. ImNaughty).”

Furthering their commitment to empowering girls and promoting sportswomanship, earlier this year CTRG invited women and girls to observe a special open practice to recognize National Girls and Women in Sports Day and demonstrated how the skaters train for their competitive and demanding sport.

The CT RollerGirls, Inc (CTRG), is Connecticut’s only WFTDA-ranked roller derby league, and the state’s first established league. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, CTRG’s bouts are competitive, family-friendly, and action-packed. CTRG boasts skaters and referees from all walks of life, ranging in age from 18 through their 40s. Established in 2006, CTRG has made it part of their mission to have a group of strong, healthy, and diverse women that can be role models to girls of all ages, to instill a sense of family, loyalty, hard work, and competitiveness in all of their skaters, and to foster community, sportswomanship, and athleticism in their members, volunteers, and audience.

For more information on the CT RollerGirls or to view upcoming bouts and special events, visit www.ctrollerderby.com or www.facebook.com/ctrollergirls.

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What a fantastic way to promote female athletes and encourage sportsmanship and passion. Does your roller derby league have something like this?