Skates on: Beirut's first all-women derby team are rolling

[TomSea]

Skates on: Beirut's first all-women derby team are rolling
Despite its modest beginnings, Beirut’s first international team is hoping local Lebanese will ensure it has a future

Beirut's first all-women's roller derby team is preparing to compete with the CaiRollers in December (Roller Derby Beirut's Facebook page)

Stefania D'Ignoti  Tuesday 6 June 2017 09:07 UTC

BEIRUT - Nada Ben Jemaa sits on the stairs of a basketball court in Gemmayzeh, eastern Beirut, as she puts protective pads on her knees and roller skates on her feet.

She adjusts the helmet above her curly hair, standing up in almost perfect equilibrium on her six wheels and joins the small group of women gathered at the centre of the court. Toting fierce stares as they stand together on their skates, they begin their weekly Sunday practice exuding confidence and perseverance.

Beirut's first all-women roller derby team is preparing to compete with the CaiRollers in December. Roller derby is a full-contact sport which involves two teams who skate counter-clockwise around an oval track.

Continued: http://www.middleeasteye.net/in-depth/features/roller-derby-survives-and-thrives-beirut-despite-local-challenges-2035397637

[dfwgator]

They don't exactly look like Raquel Welch...