L.A. Derby Dolls take on gay footballers in third annual Broomball Brawl
Albert Domasin
A photo from last year's Broomball Brawl where the Derby Dolls took on the L.A. Fire Department.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The third annual "Downtown on Ice Broomball Brawl" is a sporting event in the true spirit of Los Angeles' incredible diversity as the tough-as-nails women of the Derby Dolls challenge the L.A. Flag Football League - a group made up of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender(GLBT) football players.
Starting at 7:00pm tonight at the Pershing Square outdoor ice rink, the match is free, and the only real rules are no “checking, blocking or hitting.”
Last year, the Derby Dolls took on the defending champions at Los Angeles Fire Department.
Broomball is similar to hockey in many ways, but with less fancy equipment. Players wield brooms and wear sneakers and helmets.
After the game, participants plan to make their way over to The Perch, a self-described "whimsical French inspired inclusive rooftop bistro" that has fire pits, live music, and lounge and table seating.
The Dolls were founded in 2003 by Rebecca Ninburg (a.k.a.Demolicious) and Wendy Templeton (a.k.a. Thora Zeen). The female roller derby league now includes incredibly athletic and insanely strong 150 skaters.
The L.A. Flag Football league was initially created to help eliminate discrimination towards GLBT people and help foster athletic ability and skills. The league also partners with local and national sports clubs to increase visibility for GLBT athletes and competitions.
Steve White (@StevenMWhite) on January 10, 2012, at 02:17PM – #1
How do participants "typically" make their way over to Perch when Perch was not even around at this time last year?
Downtowner on January 10, 2012, at 05:33PM – #2
What he said.
Downtowner on January 10, 2012, at 08:25PM – #3
Seriously, though, the reference to The Perch sounds like a plug. Not saying that's what it is, but it gives that impression, considering that there are more than a few eateries within walking distance of Pershing Square.
Juanito on January 10, 2012, at 09:32PM – #4
As America's greatest playwright would have said, The Iceman Cometh not.
Tony Pierce on January 11, 2012, at 12:07PM – #5
The Perch line has been edited/corrected. Thanks for the heads up.
Downtowner on January 11, 2012, at 12:23PM – #6
Thanks for fixing, although the correct name of the restaurant is simply "Perch," minus the "The."
But I'm still wondering why any single restaurant is being singled out; it's otherwise not germane to the piece itself, and still sounds like an endorsement of a particular establishment.
I have nothing against Perch personally, and I know the rules for a blog are different from a news site, but it still comes across like a plug – especially since specific mention is made of the restaurant's cuisine, amenities, ambiance, etc.)