An all-woman roller derby team SufferJets was formed in Ithaca, New York in 2007. Only in a couple of years, it became a top ranking major league team in Ithaca League of Women Rollers (ILWR). A decade later, they have earned a unique distinction of being invited to three out of state tournaments. Despite coming from a small town, the SufferJets ranks high in the world rankings.

The name of the team comes from the term “suffragates” which refers to activists who fought to get women the right to vote. In fact, even the League’s name is a play on that of League of Women, an organization working for female emancipation since 1920. And, the SufferJets do stand for women empowerment in every possible way. The team has also been a part of Ithaca’s historical advocacy for gender equality. In fact, they even participated in Nashville Women’s March this weekend.

ILWR aims to promote and provide athletic opportunities to women and youth. In fact, members and volunteers pride themselves on the sense of inclusion for women and kids from minority or at-risk groups. These include transsexuals, and other members of the LGBT community. In fact, one of the core values of ILWR is to dissuade the persisting traditional gender roles. Women on the team break stereotypes by being real badasses.

The SufferJets seem to be on the top of their game now. In 2017, they will participate in three major national tournaments. These include Dust Devil in Tuscon, Arizona in April, Mayday Mayhem in Loveland, Colorado in June 9 and East Coast Derby Extravaganza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June.

YOU CAN HELP, TOO!

Wanna be a part of their bid to become the top ranking all-women roller derby team in the country? Go over to their campaign on Crowdera to help fund their travels to the venues of the games. The smallest possible contribution that you can make will take the team one step closer to their goal.

We wish the girl gang all the very best. Go Jets!