The title "World Cup" represents global competition – no matter if it's soccer, rugby, cricket or roller derby. And while teams are usually named after nations, the differences in competition, funding, preparation and talent can vary widely.
The West Indies Roller Derby team is one team that has faced long odds. This is their first trip to the World Cup. "The first we knew of our acceptance was in the press release listing the participating countries!" writes Disorder Lee from West Indies Roller Derby. "Then it was 'well, we'd better get on with getting a team together' moment and we started looking around for teammates and talking about how to contact for sponsorship."
The road to Dallas for these skaters has not been easy.
They set their goal at £5,000 (about $7,800 USD), which is what they projected they would need to finance the entire team. They raised only about 20 percent of that, for which they are grateful. But obviously it's not enough. What happens when skaters do not meet their fundraising goals? "We knew it might be difficult and we are funding the rest ourselves," adds Disorder Lee. "We've (also) got some great sponsors." Atom Wheels, Armour Flex, Brigend Roller Derby Shop, SISUGuard and Queens of the Sin Bin offered to help the team.
But West Indies is not the only team who struggles with fundraising. Out of the 30 teams that have been invited to World Cup, only three are fully- funded.
Team Portugal is also a newcomer to the Roller Derby World Cup. "When the first Roller Derby World Cup happened, we all watched with such amazement and excitement," said Joana. "A few months later, when we held the first Portuguese roller derby meeting, we decided to do whatever it would take to create a national team and maybe have the chance to participate in the next World Cup."
The journey hasn't been easy.
They team was only able to raise about £860 ($1,350 USD) through crowd sourcing. "Roller Derby is a very new sport in Portugal and with very few teams, " explained Joana. " Definitely, our best supporters, are family and friends. We are lucky to have found some companies that were so kind to sponsors us." But like most teams, the skaters and coaches usually support themselves. It costs several thousand dollars to participate as a World Cup skater. We all are very committed to this and we compromised so much to get this far."
"Our hope", she adds, "is that all the money we can collect from the fundraisings and the merchandising sales can help at least with the lodging costs and we can refund the skaters."
Thirteen teams attended the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup in 2011. This week that number will more than double. And despite the financial hardships endured by almost all skaters, the blood, sweat, tears and travel will be worth it.
"I have no expectations," says Disorder Lee. "I try and keep an open mind about the other teams in our bracket because we know a little about Sweden bot not really either of the other 2 (Chile and Japan). Whatever the scorelines end up being I want to come off the track knowing I tried to play to my full ability.
Of course we will be trying to see other games once ours are out of the way, where better to see what other people are doing and gauge whether it might work for you? And the Vagine Regime, Stars Vs Stripes and All Star expo games are going to be master classes too, how could we miss those?"
Team USA is the defending champion. Expect strong bouts from 2011 runner-up Team Canada. Other teams that should finish strong: England, Sweden and Team Nederlands. May the best team win!