Born to a journo ‘ohana (his father, the editor of a local paper in hometown Manhattan, Kansas; his grandfather, a printer from New York), newspaperman and short story writer Damon Runyon lived a legacy-leaving life. His “Runyonesque” depictions inspired such stage and film works as Guys and Dolls, Little Miss Marker and Lady for a Day, and when he died in 1946 at the age of 66, one of the country’s first cancer research foundations was established in his honor (damonrunyon.org). He’s also partially responsible for the modern roller derby. At the turn of the 20th century, this circuit skate sport was more marathon than mashing—often lasting as long as six days and resulting in deaths from overexertion, according to 1885 reports in the New York Times. But Runyon recognized the audience’s entertained reactions to racers’ more malevolent antics, and convinced big-shot promoter Leo Seltzer to change the rules of the game—shortening it and making it full contact. Today, the sport is a high-energy jam of elbowing, slamming and whipping—and it’s growing in popularity. These days, players are widely wahine. On the Valley Isle, the Maui Roller Girls work to promote women’s empowerment and athleticism through the sport, and this Saturday, their Crazy 808’s will take on Kauai’s Garden Island Renegade Rollerz. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs—it’s a family occasion, so no booze or smokes—and get ready to watch a rumble. www.mauirollergirls.com
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