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Meet Melodie Lapina AKA Blair Block. She's originally from Calgary and has lived in Kelowna since 2009.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend, Trevor and all of the skaters of the SORDA, OKRD and OSRDA.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Not much of a store but my favourite place in Kelowna is Kelowna Fit Body Bootcamp. It's a great gym with fantastic trainers and awesome members!
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Not at this moment, but I'll be leaving for the Roller Derby World Cup in a few short weeks!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Outside skating at Stuart Park in winter and summer!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing inspiration hits me pretty often, but my favourite would be watching new skaters learn skills at practice and seeing people succeed at the gym with something they've never been able to do before.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Through roller derby we've been given the opportunity to give back to many different organizations like Paws it Forward, Elizabeth Fry Society, South Okanagan Women in Need Society and more, just to name a few.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The 24/7 newsfeed of negativity. We're always looking for what's going wrong with the world that we forget that there are so many things going right in the world.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The gym. I'm not really alone but I'm able to sort out my thoughts while working out.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More support and space for alternative sports. Sports are a great way to stay healthy and fit and promote a great community atmosphere.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Quality of life, beautiful environment and wonderful groups of people.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Race an exotic car in Las Vegas
2. Learn how to play the guitar
3. Travel to Japan
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have a secret soft spot for cheesy sports movies like Cool Runnings and Blades of Glory.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
South Okanagan Roller Derby.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Joined roller derby in 2009 to make friends in Kelowna.
What is the goal of your business?
The South Okanagan Roller Derby Association (SORDA) formed in the fall of 2011. Our mission is to create, promote and sustain a competitive Roller Derby league in Penticton and surrounding communities.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Living in the mindset that you always want to improve and get better. You're constantly pushing beyond your boundaries.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Zero regrets! Every single decision I've made on this journey has placed me here and I'm excited to see where it goes.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
'You are who you choose to be.' A quote from the movie, the Iron Giant. You, yourself have the ability to choose what and who you become.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Arnold Schwarzenegger. He's an amazing motivational speaker and a very driven person. If I could have even just an ounce of his drive it would be amazing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Making the roster for Team Philippines Roller Derby and training to skate at the roller derby world cup!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
All the skaters of the South Okanagan Roller Derby, Okanagan Roller Derby and Okanagan Shuswap Roller Derby because they are a fantastic and a welcoming group of people.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Gina Palmer AKA RocAFelon. Gina will also be skating at the Roller Derby World cup for Team West Indies.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I'll be skating at the Roller Derby World Cup between February 1st - 4th for Team Phillippines Roller Derby. Help us out on the journey to the world cup by donating! Also, both South Okanagan Roller Derby and Okanagan Roller Derby are looking for practice spaces. Drop them a line if you're interested in helping out!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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