season ending

We are entering the month of May, and that means our end of season is fast approaching. We have extended all 2024-25 passes to the end of December due to the CUPE strike. We are also planning some kind of programming in June thanks to a special grant funding (more details below). And for our members, we’ll be having our Annual General Meeting some time before the end of August. So please stay tuned for details.

behind the scenes

Mosaic Badminton Club is grateful to have received two funding grants recently.

Earlier this month, we were invited to attend the 3rd annual Diversity in Sports Conference presented by the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network. We received a subsidy to attend the conference in Mississauga, Ontario, packed of keynote speakers, work shops, panel discussions focused on addressing systemic barriers and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in sports. The honour to meet this year’s keynote speaker — the legendary Olympian Bruny Surin — was clearly the highlight for James who attended on behalf of Mosaic Badminton. We are excited to bring back inspiring ideas through a weekend of networking with other sports organizations and individuals from across Canada. We especially thank Visit Mississauga for funding this scholarship who has made this trip possible.

Just before the publication of this newsletter edition, we have also confirmed that we have been approved the grant application for the ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk. We are thrilled to use this grant to offer exciting programming this June. Stay tuned for details on this upcoming event.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

Drop-in resumes

Now that the CUPE strike has concluded, our drop-in session resumes on Tuesday, 1 April. There remains a total of 17 drop-in sessions in April and May. Nonetheless, due to the interruption, all 2024-25 season passes will be extended to the end of December this year.

Western Cup registration opens

There are only last couple of weeks left to sign up for Western Cup badminton tournament as registration opens until 23:59, April 15. The return of badminton tournament at the 41st Western Cup edition will see some exciting changes to the tournament format. In addition to the regular tournament division that focuses on all serious matches, there will be a “Funament” division that will be a fun-first event for newer players.

The full day tournament will take place Easter Saturday on April 19, at Western Canada High School. Visit the Western Cup site for tournament information and registration links.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

Drop-in cancellation

Due to the current strike action by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 40, our drop-in sessions are cancelled indefinitely — regardless of what is shown above on our March calendar. We are closely watching updates from the Union, School Board, and the City of Calgary as to when our school rentals are resumed. Once the strike is over we’ll assess and decide if it’s appropriate to extend the season passes. We apologize for the inconvenience and we look forward to see you again.

Western Cup registration opens

Western Cup badminton registration is now open. The return of badminton tournament at the 41st Western Cup edition will see some exciting changes to the tournament format. In addition to the regular tournament division that focuses on all serious matches, there will be a “Funament” division that will be a fun-first event for newer players.

The full day tournament will take place Easter Saturday on April 19, at Western Canada High School. Visit the Western Cup site for tournament information and registration links.

We don’t expect the current strike will affect our venue rental for Western Cup. We’ll of course monitor the situation and update everyone if necessary.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

Due to current strike action by school board custodial staff, our regular sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are CANCELLED indefinitely starting from the week of February 24.

We will notify everyone as soon as our venue bookings are resumed. Please watch for updates on our social media channels.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Keep well,

Mosaic Badminton

Western Cup registration opens

The long awaited Western Cup badminton registration will open at noon on February 1. The return of badminton tournament at the 41st Western Cup edition will see some exciting changes to the tournament format. In addition to the regular tournament division that focuses on all serious matches, there will be a “Funament” division that will be a fun-first event for newer players.

The full day tournament will take place Easter Saturday on April 19, at Western Canada High School. Visit the Western Cup site for tournament information and registration links.

Did you know?

Ugandan badminton player Megan Nankabirwa and her partner had successfully sought asylum in the United Kingdom after 18 months of appeal with the Home Office. Having just returned home from the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the badminton star was forced to flee after she and her partner Lydia Nabukenya were caught together.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

New Wednesday Drop-in at King George

Due to popular demand in recent weeks, we have secured a new venue on Wednesdays. Our new Wednesday drop-in at King George School will give you another option to play. Or if you are really into it, a second night in the week to get your badminton on. Depending on the response we may make it part of our programme in the long term.

New Pricing schedule in effect

Our new pricing schedule is in effect as of January 1. Non-member drop-in will be at $15. Prices for member drop-in and prepaid packages remain unchanged. Only members may purchase prepaid packages, and annual membership is $5. Learn about our membership here.

If you are a member, you’ll get an email soon with a link to our exclusive member’s shop to purchase prepaid packages online.

Did you know?

In early December, the Federation of Gay Games has shortlisted three candidate cities of the 2030 Gay Games. While Canadian cities Edmonton and Toronto lost their bids to host the games, Auckland; Denver; and Perth will move on to the final round of votes in October 2025.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

You are invited!

Join us for a Christmas social and get into the holiday mood. Plus-one, spouse, exes, one-night-stands, FWBs, etc are welcomed.

WHEN
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
6:00pm to 9:30pm

WHERE
Georges P. Vanier School (Home Economics room and gym)
509 32 Avenue NE
Calgary, AB

WHAT
– Appetizers and mains will be provided
– Non-Alcoholic beverages will be provided
– Bring a snack or dessert item to share
– Food served at 6:00pm
– Gym opens between 7:00-9:00pm for optional badminton (regular drop-in fee applies, or use your passes)
– You and your guests may come just for the festivities, which is free. You only have to pay if you are playing badminton
– Bring a wrapped gift of about $20 in value for gift exchange game at 8:30pm (optional)
– Random Surprises!?
– Bring a board game / party game
– GOOD TIMES

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
– Register to become a Mosaic Badminton Club member and receive one complimentary session.
– Annual membership is $5

Minors are welcomed at the discretion of the parent/guardian due to proximity to adult theme and language.

RSVP on facebook or comment on this post for food order planning.

Mosaic Badminton Club Membership

A successful non-profit society such as Mosaic Badminton Club is built by members like you. Becoming a member is more than just joining us on the courts. We encourage community oriented individuals to become a registered members of our club.  Membership continues to be completely optional to participate in our events. Annual membership term is from 1 September to 31 August. Our annual membership fee is nominally priced at $5.

Members will continue to be able to purchase prepaid packages and drop-ins as currently priced. Non-members will only be able to purchase single drop-in session at $15.

Our new fee structure will take effect on January 1, 2025. All passes purchased before that date will remain valid until the end of May.

We will start to accept new members at the Christmas Party on December 17. As our one-time special holiday offer, all new member registration at the Christmas Party will receive one complimentary session.

Christmas Party

Speaking of Christmas Party, watch for a separate invite email to get all the details. For now, circle December 17 on your calendar, which is the same date as our regular drop-in at Georges Vanier.

Did you know?

Danish badminton duo Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl publically announced their off-court relationship back in 2017. The pair won silver in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and they retired in 2019 after welcoming a daughter into their family.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

Mosaic Badminton Club

If you’ve missed our last newsletter, we are excited to announce that our club is officially incorporated as a non-profit society. This has been a long journey in the making for over a decade. Read more about our announcement here.

To usher in this new era, our regular calendar release is now reformatted to bring you a monthly dose of Bad News. Enjoy!

Venue Changes

Due to school availability, we are bounced among three different venues with different start times this month. We apologize for the inconvenience. At St. Alphonsus on November 13, we will experiment with a three-hour format. This will allow more play time and flexibility to attend.

Did you know?

Kirsty Gilmour of Team Great Britain was the only out LGBTQ badminton player at the Paris Olympics this year. The Commonwealth Games and European Games medallist made her third Olympic appearance at age 30.

Planning ahead?

Did you know you can subscribe our calendar and look months ahead? Venues are booked months in advance. Go to our Calendar page and click on +GoogleCalendar to add Mosaic Badminton dates on your calendar. You will receive reminder alert the day before the event.

Good News Everyone!

As of 22 October 2024, our club is now known as, and operating as Mosaic Badminton Club, registered as a non-profit society within our province.

Since 2014, our club has been operating independently, so it’s long overdue that we establish our own brand and identity with the incorporation. The official status will provide the accountable framework for us to govern and manage the club, and allow interested members to become involved. This will also allow us greater access  to funding opportunities that will be used to expand our programming.

We continue to build on the legacy left by those before us (Apollo Friends in Sports, Absolutely Smashing!, and Apollo Badminton) to continue serving the community of LGBTQ+ badminton players and friends in Calgary. Our new name reflects the pluralistic and diverse backgrounds and identities with which our participants associate, and united in our common interest of the sport.

All orange “Apollo Badminton” punch passes will remain valid. In fact we’ll continue to issue them until newly designed passes become available.

Mosaic Badminton Club