| In spite of a strong wind that threatened to | | | | |
| carry our check-in tents away, we helped the | | | | Overall it was a great afternoon—a fun |
| YWCA staff and volunteers set up the shoe | | | | and lighthearted way to raise community |
| station, where the male participants would be able | | | | awareness for some very serious issues. Next |
| to choose women’s shoes with the right | | | | year, we hope to cheer on our own SVRG male |
| color, style, and fit for their walk. From SJSU | | | | referees as they complete their first mile in our |
| athletes to San Jose firefighters, policemen and | | | | shoes. |
| EMTs, these walkers had SVRG girls help them | | | | |
| select mules, pumps, and stilettos in their sizes. | | | | If you missed our event but would still like |
| We also outfitted them with event tees, in case | | | | to make a donation to the YWCA of Silicon Valley |
| their flashy heels didn’t give them away as | | | | or learn more about their programs, please visit |
| YWCA supporters. | | | | their website at: |
| | | | | |
| When it came time for the walk to begin, | | | | Silicon Valley Roller Girls (SVRG) is an all-female |
| we packed up our skates and moved out to the | | | | flat track roller derby league established in 2007 |
| half-mile point. Our YWCA coordinators paired us | | | | and represents what is known as Silicon Valley, |
| perfectly with our next role: offering water and | | | | California. SVRG aims to bring an additional exciting |
| band-aids to the participants. After all, who | | | | sport to the communities of Silicon Valley and |
| knows more about blisters than rollergirls? We | | | | allows women from all walks of life a chance to |
| handed out water to the walkers, some striding | | | | show their athleticism, intelligence, individuality, |
| and some stumbling, and cheered them on as | | | | inner beauty and strength by participating in the |
| they passed us. | | | | subculture phenomenon of roller derby. SVRG is |
| | | | | entirely skater-owned and run. Its dedicated |
| Once the crowd passed our station, we | | | | members represent Silicon Valley’s mothers, |
| packed up and followed the high-heeled walkers to | | | | professionals and students. SVRG encourages |
| the California Theater in downtown San José, | | | | competition between other leagues and strives to |
| where participants and sponsors were rewarded | | | | represent Silicon Valley with sportsmanship and |
| with prizes for fundraising and refreshments. | | | | excitement. |