Team Edmonton, Edmonton’s volunteer-operated, non-profit society providing recreational activities for the LGBT community, in association with GayCalgary Magazine and Apollo, is hosting their annual Team Edmonton Mixer on February 25^th.

Taking place at the Sawridge Inn Edmonton South, "this annual event is an opportunity to mix and mingle with Edmonton’s GLBTQ sports and recreation community organizers and participants. With over 20 different activities there is something for everyone."

Keith Andony from Team Edmonton, took some time to talk to GayCalgary Magazine about the upcoming event. "The mixer and silent auction are a unique opportunity for the sports and recreation community to feature their activities, recruit new participants and reengage their current participants. With activities such as cross country skiing ramping up and new sports such as water polo being launched it is a one stop opportunity to get involved with fun and healthy activities in the GLBTQ community. The event also provides a valuable outreach opportunity for various GLBTQ community and support groups and initiatives, such as the Pride Centre and HIV Edmonton, to touch base with community members that they may not see on a regular basis. We also have Apollo from Calgary as a co-sponsor so they can sign up participants for their 30^th anniversary of The Western Cup."

"The evening is also critical for the financial operations of Team Edmonton as it is our primary fundraiser that allows us to cover operational costs and support various groups such as Camp fYrefly and Womonspace."

Andony explains that admission is free, and there will also be a silent auction for all guests to bid on. The event is for adults only, running from 7-11:30pm, with proceeds going towards supporting Edmonton’s LGBT community.

Team Edmonton is completely volunteer-run, governed by an elected board and consisting of members of the LGBT community. The group hosts a plethora of sporting and recreational events: everything from badminton to ballroom dancing.

Last year the organization sent a contingent to the 2011 North America Outgames, and may do the same with the Gay Games scheduled for 2014 in Cleveland.  Attending the Mixer can be a first step to getting involved, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, while reconnecting with friends and maybe making some new ones.

Another way to connect with the LGBT sports and recreation community in Edmonton is to join the Team Edmonton Facebook page. There are hundreds of posts of people looking for groups or individuals to join in sporting activities. It is also a good place to ask questions about the organization.