Some of Kim Cameron’s fondest memories from her younger days are of the many afternoons and weekends spent at the local skating rink. Whenever they could, Ms. Cameron and her friends were down at Humphreys, as the Tamworth rink was known in those days. On Sunday, she pulled the skates back on for the first time in 46 years, marking a nostalgic return to a beloved pastime.
After seeing the advertisement for the new Skate Fit term, she and former “skating mate” Bronwyn McIntyre decided to give it a try. “We thought let’s give it a go and see if we still can,” said Ms. Cameron. Despite a minor fall, she expressed her excitement about being back on skates and eagerly awaits the next session this Sunday.
Skate Fit: A Community Initiative
The Skate Fit program, organized by the New England Roller Derby League (NEDRL), is held at the Tamworth Sports Dome and combines skating, fitness, and fun. The initiative was launched last year as a response to dwindling numbers and to provide a less intimidating introduction to skating, especially for those new to the sport or returning after a long break.
NERDL president Desley White, who experienced Skate Fit in Coffs Harbour, described it as “super inclusionary.” “We were just happy to get people on skates and having a bit of fun,” she said. The program is open to anyone over five years of age, and participants often include families who skate together.
Building Foundations for the Future
Ms. White explained the program’s focus on teaching basic skating skills, such as how to skate, fall, stop, turn around, and skate backwards, while incorporating fitness drills. Despite initial concerns about potentially disbanding the program due to low participation and associated costs, the turnout on Sunday has given the club hope.
“This term looks like it’s growing, and we’re going to be able to keep on going at least hopefully for this year and we’ll see how we can build and grow from there,” Ms. White stated.
Currently, there is no roller derby league in Tamworth. Some club members have joined other teams to participate in games, but the absence of a local league poses challenges in attracting and retaining interest. “So we’re trying to build foundations, get some people on skates and then maybe introduce derby in the future,” Ms. White added, expressing hope for the establishment of a local league.
A Look Back and Forward
Historically, skating has been a popular recreational activity in many communities, offering a unique blend of exercise and social interaction. Programs like Skate Fit aim to revive this tradition by providing accessible opportunities for people of all ages to engage in skating.
The current term runs for 10 weeks, and Ms. White advised that this Sunday would likely be the last opportunity to join for this term. As the program continues to gain momentum, the NEDRL hopes to expand its offerings and possibly reintroduce competitive roller derby in the future.
For now, the focus remains on fostering a welcoming environment where participants can enjoy the thrill of skating while building a supportive community. As Ms. Cameron and others dust off their skates, the echoes of Humphreys’ past are brought to life once more, promising a bright future for skating enthusiasts in Tamworth.
