North America’s longest-running queer sporting event is back again.

This year, Western Cup is celebrating 31 years of queer sport with over 500 athletes competing in four different sports over Easter weekend, according to event coordinator T.J Fedyk.

"We’re really excited about this year and especially for dodge ball, we have 18 teams which is double what we had last year," Fedyk says. "I think everyone is really excited for a great weekend."

People from all over western Canada will gather for volleyball, dodge ball, curling and bowling – though normally there would also be squash but not enough teams entered this year, says the organizer.

This year there are more out of town teams, Fedyk says, adding that there are 18 curling teams from out of town alone. The sporting weekend is quite popular across Western Canada.

"I think what draws people to our event is especially how social it is and how much fun it is. It’s not just a competition; we really have a lot of social aspects to it. It’s about making friends and having fun."

While the Western Cup may be the largest queer sporting event, it’s not just for the LGBT community. In fact, Fedyk says more and more straight people and straight teams are participating in the event because of its reputation for being fun.

"It’s a really great event that appeals to everybody," he adds.  "Especially volleyball, a lot of the players say it’s the best tournament they’ve gone to anywhere."

But the biggest highlight this year is international DJ and producer Hector Fonseca of Rihanna/Katy Perry/Lady Gaga/Beyoncé fame who will be playing at the dance on Saturday, March 30th. With five number one hits to his name, the dance is expected to sell out before it even starts.  Last year’s dance only had 150 tickets at the door but Fedyk fully expects there to be none at the door this year so he encourages buying early.

"We’re really, really thrilled we got Hector – we’re lucky he was in town for Rihanna’s concert so our fingers are crossed she will show up," he says. "Everyone is really excited and they’re already talking about the dance so that’s really huge, exciting news."

Of course, the Western Cup couldn’t run without volunteers and organizers, and they are still looking for some. Volunteers get into the event they’re volunteering at for free and only have to commit to one hour of help.

"It’s a great event that you can have fun at and meet new friends. A lot of people gather around and watch the games, and you even get to drink at some of them," Fedyk says. "I think the whole weekend has four social events to it that people will really enjoy."

Western Cup is Apollo, Friends in Sports, annual multi-sport tournament, celebration and fundraiser. Apollo was formed in 1981 after a small group of individuals came together with the idea to create an athletic social group for LGBT people in the Calgary area. The popular Western Cup Dance will take place at Hotel Arts on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 9pm.  Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.