According to its website, Apollo Friends In Sports is "a volunteer-operated, non-profit organization serving primarily members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered communities but open to members of all communities." The primary focus of Apollo is to provide its members with well-organized and fun sporting events and other activities to allow them to participate and interact in a positive social framework.

The Easter long weekend is the time of the year where gay athletes from around North America converge in Calgary for Apollo’s Western Cup. In addition to the athletic competitions, the 22nd edition of the event includes social events like a meet and greet at Boyztown, a Vegas themed party, and a dance all at the Westin Hotel. Gaycalgary.com spoke with Apollo’s president of the past 4 year Al Comadina to talk about Apollo.

What is Apollo?

Apollo is an umbrella organization that finds coordinators and supports sporting leagues in the community. We advertise the start of the league seasons, give out the contact names, carry insurance for the membership, and many other functions. When we were formed in 1981 it was with the idea to fulfill the needs of interested people in the Calgary area with sports and social activities.

Can you tell us a bit about the different sporting events that Apollo does throughout the year?

There isn’t a lot that Apollo hasn’t done or tried. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not that far off. We have a lot going on. In the winter we sponsor leagues for badminton, bowling, curling and volleyball. Come spring and into summer, we find coordinators for tennis, slo-pitch and golf. Last year we added lawn bowling. Another group is the Outdoor Pursuits coordinators, who have a lot on their plate and look after anything that is done outdoors. They organize ski trips, hiking, bike rides; I believe one winter we did ice climbing.

How often do these groups meet?

All leagues and events have their own executives, and they meet as often as they feel they have to and have their own schedules. The Apollo executive is elected at its Annual General Meeting and after they meet with the Sports Directors monthly.

How big is Apollo’s membership?

At the moment we don’t have an official count. Our secretary is in the process of compiling the membership list, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the number over the 300 mark.

How does someone interested in joining sign up?

When you join a league or take part in what we refer to as an event you will take out membership of Apollo at that time. If you wish to be a member at large and not take part in a sport, you can do that as well, you just need to contact a board member and tell them you want to join.

The Apollo dances are quite popular, how often do you hold them?

We try to have two dances a year, once in December and another in August. The public is more than welcome to attend these functions.

How do Apollo events benefit Calgary’s gay community?

We provide members of the community a place to participate in a sport or social event in a safe environment.

This is the 22nd consecutive year for the Western Cup. Tell us about the event.

I like to think of the Western Cup as being a mini Gay Games. This is a weekend when people from all over get together in Calgary for a weekend of sport and social times. Western Cup came into existence with an invitation to people from Edmonton and Red Deer to play in volleyball in Calgary. Since then it has grown to include badminton, curling and bowling.

Where do the athletes come from, and how many people participate in the Western Cup?

Western Cup participant numbers vary from year to year. Thinking back to other Cups, I would say that we should have 450 to 500 participants this year. This year we will have teams from BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. As well, we will have a contingent of bowlers from Denver, to represent the USA.

Tell us about some of the Cup events, and how the public can participate in the weekend.

I’m lucky. I have a great Western Cup Director this year, and he has put together a top-notch team. The weekend kicks off with registration on Thursday night, and it goes non-stop until the closing brunch on Sunday. Friday night is really exciting with the Sip, Sin & Sing: Viva Las Vegas theme that will feature something for everyone. The public is more than welcome to come join us. Just go to any venue that suits you and watch the sport of your choice. There is no charge for the events. As for the social events like the dance, the public is also more than welcome. We have advertising throughout the city giving dates and locations. Or they can visit the Cup website.

For additional information about Apollo and the Western Cup check out apollocalgary.com or westerncup.com. Photographed for the article is members from the Apollo bowling leagues

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Apollo Calgary | Sports | Western Cup |

Photo Gallery Apollo Western Cup |