Gem City Roller Derby team taking ‘Dayton Strong’ message to Pennsylvania

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Gem City Roller Derby team Purple Reign is taking the "Dayton Strong" message to Pennsylvania this week as they compete in a national tournament.

>> 9 dead in shooting chief said could have been 'catastrophic'

"We're selling these 'Dayton Strong' stickers we made," SuperSonic, who in real life is Cristen Bonner, said Tuesday night during a pause from practice at Skateworld at Vandalia for the tournament that starts Thursday.

The team will be selling the stickers between competing in the North American Continental Cup East tournament in Lancaster, Pa. It's the Dayton-based team's first time in the tourney and they'll represent the city of Dayton in a special way.

"We're all wearing them, too," she said of the "Dayton Strong" stickers.

SuperSonic (also known as Cristen Bonner) said the Gem City Roller Girls Purple Reign wants to give back to the community. (Jim Noelker/Staff)

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All proceeds from the sale of the stickers will go toward the families of the nine victims killed in the Aug. 4 Dayton  shooting in the Oregon District.

>> Complete coverage: Dayton shooting in the Oregon District

Dayton shot and killed the gunman, 24-year-old Connor Betts of Bellbrook, seconds after he opened fire along East Fifth Street in the district. He injured dozens, either through gunfire or in the ensuing chaotic stampede near Ned Peppers bar.

"We just wanted to do something to give back to the community," Bonner said. "We're always trying to help the non-profit organizations here and they help us in return."

>> Where you can buy 'Dayton Strong' merchandise

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