An upcoming retro disco roller skating event is drawing a lot of interest from the community of Kamloops as the once popular activity appears to be making a comeback.

The disco event is the first of its kind put on by the Tournament Capital Derby Diversified team in response to a “surge in roller skating” they’re seeing in Kamloops, the Okanagan and the Shuswap.

“We’re getting a lot of shares and interest on social media and we’re making a poster to post around town,” said event organizer Erin Johnson.

Johnson and her team have been playing roller derby against teams in the Shuswap and Okanagan since establishing in 2010. She’s seen a dramatic growth in roller skating in the past couple of years. 

Kelowna’s roller skating scene saw a growth spurt amid COVID-19 and Penticton wasn’t far behind. Johnson is hoping to see more growth in Kamloops, and more arenas become available for it, for year-round use. The group has been renting the curling rink in the warmer months. 

“There isn’t much here, in the winter there is nothing as arenas are taken up with ice,” she said. “We play against teams in the Okanagan and Revelstoke and they have more rinks available. Armstrong and Kelowna have year round rinks. It'd be exciting to see Kamloops make roller skating more accessible." 

READ MORE: Popular Night at the Roller Rink adds second skate in Penticton

Johnson plans to reach out to other organizations for sports like Lacrosse, wheelchair athletics and floor hockey to see if a collaboration on creating a year-round arena is a possibility.

The Save-the-date-Roller Disco retro skating event is at McArthur Island Curling Club at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday May 13, and so far 1,200 people have indicated an interest in joining the fun and tickets are available soon.

Skaters can bring their own roller or inline skate or rent a pair. People are encouraged to bring helmets and water bottles, and dress up in costumes from the disco era. There will be lights, music, prizes and a merchandise table.

Funds collected are going to the Tournament Capital Derby Diversified team.

Interested vendors can contact the team here.

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