In a strong sports town with everything from baseball to wrestling, it’s easy to overlook some athletic teams. So, this week, I’m spotlighting the Cape Girardeau Roller Derby – a fierce group of competitors known for their strength and style.
Roller derby may not be the first thing that pops in your head when you hear the word “sports,” but it has more than 1,500 leagues in 40 countries. The competitions were developed in the twenties and thirties as a way of combining roller skating with the dance marathons that were popular at the time. Over the decades, roller derby has evolved into a contact sport. Two teams of five players each try to prevent the other team from skating past them on the elliptical track.
It’s tough to explain the sport without a visual, but you can watch it in action this week. Cape’s last home about of 2019 starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at the A.C. Brase Arena. The Southern Illinois Roller Girls are bringing stiff competition, and the home team needs support from their fans. Bring the whole family to cheer them on – everyone will enjoy watching
I also want to remind you that tax-free weekend is from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4. That means there’s no Missouri sales tax on school supplies, clothing and computers. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a shopping spree at your favorite Cape Stores or discover a great place you haven’t been to yet.
To keep up with everything going on in town – sports and otherwise – head to VisitCape.com/Events.
