Lifestyles: Hel'z Belles Roller Derby Grrlz

It's Helena’s only roller derby league. They wear orange and hot pink, skate in tights – and they're competitive athletes. But, they're also a thriving non-profit focused on giving back to the community they call home. Beartooth NBC's Jess Armstrong shows us the lifestyles of the Hel'z Bellz Roller Derby League.

You get to meet an amazing group of women and it also has a competitive piece to it,” says Kristy Fort-man aka “Bambi Boozled”.

“We do bouts, but not every skater does bouting, some people are just here for fun and to learn about roller derby,” says “Bambi”.

How do you play?

“You'll have 8 blockers out on the track, 4 from each team and you have a jammer from each team behind them, so 2 jammers and the jammers are trying to make it through the pack. Each blocker that they pass on the other team, they get a point,” says “Bambi”

“When I found roller derby, I found a whole other part of me that I didn't know.  It's brought out a whole other person.  I'm happier, I'm more social than I used to be, and I'm more competitive,” says Ashley Huber aka “Holy Hotsox”

“I love it. I love roller skating; I used to roller skate here all the time when I was a kid and I loved it. I love it.  Roller skating's great; it's great for you and I mean, it's a lot of fun,” says Jennifer Russell aka “Russ’ll U”.

What's the commitment like?

“I don't sleep, I don't eat,” says Deb O’Neill aka “Hokey Poker”, Hel’z Belles bout coordinator and events planner.

“It has completely consumed my life. I practice 3 days a week,” says “Bambi”

“You have to be able to join a committee, do little committee assignments and do community activities,” says “Russ’ll U”.

“We're non-profit.  We're for the skaters-by the skaters for the skaters.  We also want to give back to the community as much as possible so we participate in lots of different things because we really wanna be vocal, be out there and really give back to the community,” says “Hokey Poker”.

If you are interested in joining Hel'z Belles, they are hosting a recruitment party this weekend at Taco del Sol.

Hel'z Belles Recruitment Party & Fundraiser
Saturday, October 15th
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Taco del Sol
20% of sales will be donated to Hel'z Belles

Hel'z Belles are also hosting a bout against the Great Falls Electric City Rollergrrrlz Friday, October, 28th. To find out more about Hel'z Belles and their events, visit their Facebook page.

Story by Jess Armstrong, Beartooth NBC.
Copyright ©2011 Beartooth Communications Company. All Rights Reserved.