RGV Bandidas hold co-ed derby to raise awareness for autism

HARLINGEN - The RGV Bandidas roller derby team was back on the flat track for another bout Saturday night, however this one was a little more special.

The contest was played as a co-ed bout for autism awareness and in support of Team Mario, a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, support and advocate for children affected by the autism.

"Today's bout was for Team Mario," said coach Fidel Juarez, AKA Mr. Taco. "This bout was to raise awareness for autism because we love to help out the community and this is our contribution. Some of us work with kids with autism so this is something personal to us."

After a close contest, the red team defeated the blue team by a score of 185-137.

The RGV Bandidas will not play their next bout until June 24 against Cen-Tex. They will also play on Aug. 19 against West, Texas, and on Sept. 30 against Heart of Texas.

In their last bout, the Bandidas defeated the Hurricane Alley Roller Derby 252-92, getting back in the win column after dropping the season opener to the AlamoCity Las Tejanas.