SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) has announced its support for Team Scotland Roller Derby, as the team prepares to compete at the Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria this July.
Team Scotland Roller Derby are hoping to continue their success following a best-ever 12th place finish at the previous 2018 World Cup.
The partnership will see SAMH’s famous logo emblazoned on the back of the team’s strips for the next 12 months.
Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Operations at SAMH, said: “Roller Derby in Scotland shines as the gold standard for inclusivity in sport, and is known across the country as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent players and fans alike.
“From the sport’s flexible pricing model at local games, ensuring cost is never a barrier, to its gender-inclusive approach, Roller Derby consistently creates positive and mentally healthy spaces.
“That’s why SAMH is proud to support to Team Scotland Roller Derby at this World Cup and feature on these iconic kits – and all that they represent.”
Team Scotland Head Coach Lianne ‘Legs’ Parry said: “Sport can have a hugely positive impact on people’s mental health. The experienced players always support the brand-new people, which works really well for us, and we make the places and spaces that we’re in as welcome as possible.
“It’s a great community and it’s so much fun to be a part of, and there’s an opportunity for everybody to get involved.”
Helena Joy, a Leith skater and part of the Team Scotland squad, said: “Roller Derby has been an avenue into taking care of myself, and thinking about what my body can do instead of what it looks like.
“You don’t have to look like anyone else – you’re going to be valuable and have a place in the sport, and that helps my mental health.”
SAMH has been supporting Roller Derby in Scotland since 2018, when Edinburgh-based Auld Reekie Roller Derby became one of the first community sports clubs to sign-up for Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport.
The charter was first launched and endorsed by Sir Chris Hoy in 2016 and aims to empower clubs to improve equality and reduce discrimination, ensuring mental health is not a barrier to engaging in sport.