WFTDA holds 2010 annual meeting in Columbus

Austin, TX – As the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) prepares for unprecedented growth with an influx of new leagues, members will gather May 28 - 30, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio to plan and direct the future of this fast-moving sport.

WFTDA’s sixth annual meeting, presented this year by founding members and tournament hosts the Ohio Roller Girls, will include more than 200 skaters and referees from the association’s 78 member leagues, located across the United States and Canada.

“The annual meeting is an important part of WFTDA’s collaborative, member-centered, democratic tradition,” said Executive Director Juliana Gonzales. “As a primarily online organization, it is our moment each year to gather in person and take stock before we turn toward the more public showcases of tournament season in the fall.”

In addition to preparing for the coming year and tournament season, the meeting also offers the opportunity for members to develop their leagues at home with information sessions on game play, governance, sponsorship and public relations.

This also marks the end of the first year in which the Association has had full-time, paid staff members, including Gonzales.

“One of the highlights is the opportunity to address the membership and recap our first year as an organization supported by officers and paid staff,” she said. “We'll be talking about our mission in light of our membership requirements, and what that may mean as we look to grow and have greater exposure in the international sports community.”