Charlotte Speed Demons Raising Funds and Awareness for Special Olympics

Every time the Charlotte Speed Demons strap on their skates, they appreciate the opportunity to train and participate in athletic competitions. Now, the women’s flat track roller derby team is helping others realize their dream to compete by accepting the challenge to raise money for the more than 38,000 Special Olympics North Carolina athletes through its Over The Edge fund raiser.

Through October 29, the team will solicit donations for Special Olympics North Carolina online and at its final home game of 2011 being held at the First Ward Recreation Center on August 20. For every $1,000 raised, one Speed Demons team member will rappel 35 stories down The Vue Charlotte building in uptown to raise further awareness for the cause.

“When we learned about this opportunity, it didn’t take long for everyone to get on board,” said Speed Demons president Craig Bailey. “Our team appreciates the opportunity to compete and wants to make sure that every incredible Special Olympics athlete has the same opportunity.”

Special Olympics North Carolina is one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world with more than 38,000 registered athletes who train and compete in year round programs in 19 different sports. For more information visit www.sonc.net.

Several members of the Speed Demons organization are signed up for the challenge with more being added as goals are met.

“As a life long athlete, I fully understand the satisfaction that competition brings,” said Speed Demons jammer Carrie Hanson. “Having this chance to help others discover the excitement I feel every day is what drew me to this challenge. I’m honored to be a part of this effort to raise funds and awareness for our local Special Olympics athletes.”

To make a donation and help the Speed Demons meet their fundraising goals, fans are encouraged to bring a donation to the August 20 game or visit the team’s online fundraising page located at bit.ly/SpeedDemonsOverEdge. All donations are tax deductible.

“I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to play a sport I am passionate about,” said Speed Demons blocker Rebecca Bailey. “It’s important to all of us that these amazing athletes have the same opportunity. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts will bring the joy of competition to so many deserving people.”

The team is fully committed to supporting Special Olympics North Carolina. In addition to raising funds at its final home game, the team has also dedicated its halftime to a group of the organization’s athletes who will put on a demonstration of their abilities.

Formed in 2010, the Speed Demons are a women’s flat track roller derby team unlike any in the region. While others incorporate some level of showmanship (stage names, stage makeup or nontraditional sports attire), the Speed Demons have chosen a different direction. To help reinforce the fact that roller derby is a sport, its athletes compete using their legal names and wear a traditional sports style uniform. The team is part of the movement to develop roller derby into a professional level sport with an eye on inclusion in the Olympic Games.

Discount tickets for this final home game are on sale now for $10 here or in person at Inner Peaks Climbing Center located at 9535 Monroe Rd. or 9Round Gym located at 16721 Orchard Stone Run. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game for $14. Group discounts are available.