As we approach the Men's Roller Derby World Cup against a global backdrop of war and genocide, it makes me feel incredibly privileged to be able to take part in a community-led sport. We are lucky to be able to do so.

Away from roller derby, I have been working in the children's social care sector for a number of years now. I deliver trauma-informed training, so I'm acutely aware just how much an impact trauma has on children.

I also know first-hand the power of sport and the good it can do for communities; especially children.

So with that being the case, I'm raising money for a charity called PACES, and I will be wearing a Palestinian armband during the world cup, as well as in the run up to it.

PACES is a UK based charity, providing healthy, structured after-school sports programs for Palestinian girls and boys ages 6 to 16 years living in refugee camps and marginalized areas in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Through its core Sports for Development program, PACES provides children with multiple educational benefits to help them thrive in their own communities.

https://www.pacescharity.org/

A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. And if you see me around at any of the games or tournaments, I'll have a limited number of Palestinian flag armbands and stickers in exchange for a donation.

Thanks, Phil (Philociraptor 9 / Cairns 47)