Midwest Derby Convention Spreads Knowledge, Showcases Action

The session at the John E. Carlson Coliseum began with instructional workshops before featuring some hard-hitting matches.

FARGO, N.D. – People of all skill levels flocked to Fargo this weekend to pick up a couple of pointers in roller derby.

The Fargo-Moorhead Derby Girls hosted the Midwest Derby Convention at the John E. Carlson Coliseum.

The primary goal was instruction, as derby experts signed up to lead workshops on various aspects of the sport.

Organizers say they had prospective skaters coming in from as far as Winnipeg and the Twin Cities to absorb the knowledge – and that’s what makes roller derby special, the inclusive community that is always willing to share information.

“Watching all of these skaters – some of them come in and they’ve never put on a pair of roller skates – and now they’re going to go out and hip check each other, and they’re doing all of these tactical skills,” said Jabberblock, the President of the FM Derby Girls.

“Watching them come out of that with that sense of teamwork is really inspiring.”