A teen who skates with a Chilliwack roller derby league will be heading to Australia for the 2025 Junior Roller Derby World Cup after making the cut for the national roster.
Alida Darby Grevy, 16, with Chilliwack-based Fraser Valley Fury is now one of 20 players on Team Canada.
"I am still processing that I made Team Canada Junior Roller Derby," she said. "I've dedicated half of my life to roller skating, since I started when I was eight."
Grevy's derby name is 'Alida Baddle Angel' and is known on track as 'Darby 56.'
She recalled the first time she went skating with her dad at Stardust. She was a natural.
"By the second time of skating I was lapping my dad. He then persuaded me to watch a roller derby match. About two minutes in I was practically begging my dad to sign me up for roller derby, and that he did."
She has also played with Vancouver Junior Roller Derby and West Coast Junior Roller Derby. Grevy has travelled upwards of two hours to attend practices. She's helped with reffing, has been a non-skating official, and skates the Seawall.
"I think it's epic to be able to represent my nation on a team that I was unaware existed until a few years ago."
One of her coaches Suzanne Gardner speaks highly of the young skater.
"Alida is one of the most driven and dedicated athletes I have ever coached. She is one of those skaters on my bench that I just have to look at and I know she will do what needs to be done," she said. "She continues to prove to herself and her league that courage, commitment and passion will only ever bring success, not just in sports but life itself."
The 2025 Junior Roller Derby World Cup will be July 24-28, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. Along with new jerseys, gear and practices that span across Canada, the costs are adding up quickly, Grevy said.
She started a GoFundMe to help with costs. To donate, go to https://gofund.me/923df2af
