Was one of your new year’s resolutions to meet new people? Or to lose a few kilos? What better way to do both than to join a local sports team! Checkout some of Wellington’s rainbow and inclusive sports clubs here.
Richter City Roller Derby
Established in 2007, Richter City Roller Derby (RCRD) is Wellington’s flat-track roller derby league. A group of about 50 skaters, referees and non-skating officials who train compete and officiate in the sport of roller derby.
Richter City emphasises the empowerment of all their members by the development of athletic ability, good sporting attitude, growth in confidence and dedication to the game. Their season is usually February to November when they run about three training sessions each week for various teams.
“It’s a full-contact sport on roller skates, so it does get chaotic and physical. But we’re a friendly, motivated bunch of people who love fringe sport and shoes with wheels! We are always looking for new skaters, referees, non-skating officials and volunteers to join the league,” they tell us.
“Our competing teams are open to all women — including trans women, intersex women, and/or gender-expansive people. Men are welcome as referees and non-skating officials.”
“There’s no required skill level to learn to play roller derby with RCRD. Many people who join the league have little or no skating experience… Like many organisations, we’ve been and thinking about what we can do to welcome and support people of all cultural backgrounds — specifically Māori, Pasifika, and non-Pākehā people. We’re working on a few initiatives to reduce barriers to entry for people interested in roller derby. We’re committed to becoming a more inclusive and diverse community.”
The group train at Kilbirnie Recreation Centre and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Berhampore.
Follow Richter City Roller Derby on social media or email quadgoals.richtercity@gmail.com to get involved.
The Wellington Racqueteers (Badminton)
This social badminton club with members of different abilities that has been established for over five years. They play on Wednesdays and Sundays at the Badminton Centre in Hataitai and have social events once a month. The group is mainly made up of men but would love to see more women and gender diverse players join.
“It’s a great way to stay fit, challenge yourself (if you want to) and meet new people in a different context than the usual scene. It’s a very friendly group and the focus is on the social aspect rather than the competitive,” the team tell us.
“The first session is free and you can just turn up. If you don’t have a racquet, don’t worry, lots of us have a few spares so we can sort you out.”
The group meets on Wednesdays 6-7.30pm (courts 1-3 usually) and Sundays 10.30am-12.30pm (court 6 usually). Any changes to times are usually posted on the Facebook group.
Check out The Wellington Racqueteers on Facebook and their website racqueteers.wordpress.com.
Wellington Rainbow Bowling (Ten Pin bowling)
Created by Dion Leslie in 2010, Wellington Rainbow Bowling is a group of friends and family of the Rainbow community that bowl fortnightly on Sundays. All are welcome to attend.
“All Sorts of people join in. From those that have never bowled to those that are regular bowlers,” the group tells us. “Any skill level is welcome. Friendly advice and coaching are offered to people new to bowling.”
“Newcomers can just turn up on the nights we bowl and join in. We bowl at Strike Entertainment Centre at 399 Hutt Road, Alicetown, Lower Hutt on Sundays starting at 5:30PM.”
Find Wellington Rainbow Bowling on Facebook.
Article | Richard Tait & Fraser Shaw.
