Further Information

There is a constantly growing group of people in Iceland that practices roller derby, a fast paced contact sport that is played on quad roller skates. People of all ages practice this sport, but currently the majority are women. Roller Derby Iceland is the first and only sports league of its kind in Iceland and is a part of ÍSÍ, ÍBR and WFTDA, with a league team and a national team that has played abroad several times. Until now, the league has run on membership fees, tickets to games, and fundraising.

Our mission is to increase public interest in grassroots sports, as well as to provide a common ground for a broad group of people, especially those who feel like outsiders in other sports. The culture that has developed in the sport, both abroad and here in Iceland, is very diverse, open and fun. More information about the sport and the league can be seen on our website:
http://www.rollerderby.is/
and our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/RollerDerbyIceland/

As Roller Derby Iceland has not had access to its own housing so far, we have relied on renting our practice space. This is costly and means that training hours are irregular and late at night, since sports clubs connected to municipalities take priority. This prevents Roller Derby Iceland from introducing the fun and diverse world of skating to the general public, hinders the league from expanding, and restricts its ability to offer youth work.

Roller Derby Iceland has now received an approval to use housing owned by Reykjavík, and that provides us with numerous opportunities. With our own premises, current members will have the freedom to schedule training sessions and this allows us to introduce skating to the public, especially children and teenagers. There is a strong emphasis on diversity in the sport: many people who feel unwelcome in other sports find refuge in roller derby, so it is important that we have control over our own environment. Roller Derby Iceland also wants to give other fringe sports access to the premises and create a community for sports clubs that have been outsiders and without housing like us. There will also be open events such as roller discos and other promotional and social activities for the public.

In order for our goals to be fulfilled, significant improvements need to take place. At a minimum, the workshop pit must be closed, concrete laid down and the floor marked for the track. Changes would need to be made around the restrooms and changing facilities in order to enlarge and divide the changing rooms and add toilets, one of which will be accessible for wheelchair users. There is a changing room at the premises with one shower and one toilet, but changes may be needed if open events are to be held. We will strive to ensure accessibility for all.

The largest cost of the project is the floor construction. According to the rough cost estimate that the league has made, the preparation of the floor, laying down concrete, and surface treatment, will cost about 2.5 million ISK. With all factors included, the total amount of construction is 5 million ISK. Further explanation of costs is as follows:
New floor: 2,500,000 ISK
Other improvements in the hall: 350,000 ISK
Renovation of toilets: 600,000 ISK
Purchased work and supervision: 600,000 ISK
New equipment and items: 150,000 ISK
Sound system and lighting equipment: 300,000 ISK
Other and unforeseen: 500,000 ISK
Total: 5,000,000 ISK

When the construction is completed, Roller Derby Iceland can open a fringe sports and cultural center that will benefit the league as well as the general public. We sincerely hope that you see the same opportunities in this building as Roller Derby Iceland does and give us the contribution to make our dreams come true.

Photographs were taken by Joe Mac, Richard LaFortune, and Hlíðar Berg.