ROLLER-DERBY!!!

What does roller-derby have to do with Texas politics, you ask? Well, Austin has decided to allow the Texas Rollergirls to practice at some of it's park and recreation centers for free.

Why is that news worthy? Austin doesn't typically allow non-profit organizations to reserve facilities for free.

So why has Austin made this spectacular decision? Council Member Bill Spelman cited several reasons, including: celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, many health benefits that sports and fitness can bring to woman and girls throughout their lives, and that "when you see the Rollergirls come and ask you for something, you give it to them, because they're tough."

Why do I think this is important? Because roller-derby is awesome and I applaud the City of Austin for recognizing that this riveting sport not only has high entertainment value, but can also positively impact the lives of women and girls who participate in it.

To read the whole story, you can find it in the Austin American Statesman. Also, for more information about roller-derby you can check out the Texas Rollergirls for flat track excitement and TXRD for banked track thrills!