The Adelaide Roller Derby community is in shock following the sudden death of their beloved and respected founder, Sarah Strong-Law.
They released a heartfelt statement on social media sharing the tragic news.
"We are deeply saddened to share the news that the founder of our league and beloved friend to many, Barrelhouse Bessy aka Sarah Strong-Law, tragically died in a car accident on Kangaroo Island on Tuesday 22nd February.
We send our love and heartfelt condolences to Bessy’s husband Boone and daughter Kiva.
Bessy founded Adelaide Roller Derby in 2007 - one of the first leagues in Australia. She made a flier proclaiming, “Roller Derby Needs You!” and in response, a diverse group of women met at The Wheatsheaf Hotel and our community was born.
Bessy led the league as one of the inaugural board members, navigating Adelaide Roller Derby’s way through its establishment and incorporation, and teaching people how to roller skate. Along with her husband 'Mr W' (ADRD’s first commentator), Bessy was instrumental in the development of our home teams and home season, in hosting the country’s first public roller derby bout, and in creating The Great Southern Slam – to this day, the largest tournament in the southern hemisphere. Bessy had boundless energy, was a born leader and organiser, and a respected figure within our unique sport. She was the first person to dish out a home-truth or a nurturing hug, and always challenged us to do better, do more, and do it our own way.
Bessy was generous with her time and made everyone feel valued and special. She championed our league culture on the premise of “daggy and endearing” and established an empowering space for the women of Adelaide - a revolutionary experience for members at the time.
Although her skating career ended after a serious knee injury in 2012, Bessy's legacy continues to reverberate through our league and the wider derby community, inspiring and affecting more lives than she could have ever known.
Barrelhouse Bessy - thank you for the incredible impact you have had on our lives, from all ADRD members past and present. We are here because of you and your brilliant vision, and for that we are so lucky. Rest in Peace."
scenestr staff have worked and played with the close knit team at the league since 2016. We offer our deepest condolences to Sarah's family and friends at this saddest of times.
