Roller Derby family from Beerwah

From Beerwah to Barcelona…

By Sonia Clark

York family from Beerwah Kylie, Jaidyn, Ken, and Corben

Dan Clarke from Beerwah First National Real Estate contacted GC&M News last week to let us know about a talented local family - the Yorks - who are heading to Spain to compete in the World Roller Games in July.

When Ken and Kylie York told Dan about their whole family’s involvement in the sport he admitted that he didn’t know a lot about roller derby but remembered seeing it a few years ago on television and thinking that, as a sport, it looked brutal.

Now having met the locals who have the potential to become world champions, right in our very own backyard, Dan was keen to support their efforts, as well as being keen to bring awareness of the sport to the local community.

Kylie explained that roller derby had evolved in recent years from being predominantly perceived as sports entertainment to an internationally recognised sport. It is even garnering attention from the International Olympic Committee as a possible future Olympic sport.

The first World Roller Games were held in Nanjing, China in 2017 and Kylie was a member of the Australian team. It was at this event that Australia won its first medal - silver.

In July this year, Kylie will once again be flying the Aussie flag as she represents Australia at the World Roller Games in Barcelona – although this time as a manager.

Kylie representing Australia in The first World Roller Games in Nanjing, China 2017

Kylie is also excited that her husband Ken and their sons, Jaidyn and Corben, have been selected to be part of the Skate Australia Roller Derby Team to compete in the first Australian men's team - and they have a very good chance of coming home with a medal.

As each competitor is required to pay $5,500, Kylie and the team members are seeking sponsorship to help ease the financial burden.

“As you can imagine, with three members of the same family on the team, we have been doing all we can think of to raise much needed funds to get the boys to Barcelona,” Kylie said.

“At the same time, I have been doing all I can to try to reduce costs for the team as a whole by trying to source sponsors and discounts wherever we can.”

Dan was happy to show his support and has generously donated $1,000 to the cause. Kylie is hoping other local businesses will also be interested in in supporting them.

Businesses can sponsor the York boys to compete in the World Roller Games or make a donation to support the 31 members of the Australian team.

There are a number of sponsorship options available.

If you would like to help and to find out more, please contact Kylie on 0428 710 370 or via email at yorkforce2019@gmail.com.