For 26 years, Apollo has hosted the longest running annual LGBT athletic event in North America, the Western Cup. With sporting events throughout the city and three social events at the Westin hotel in downtown Calgary, The Western Cup is one of the top events on the annual gay calendar.
Western Cup continues the tradition of taking place on the Easter long weekend, this year bumped up nearly four weeks to land in mid-march. Kicking off with a social event at the Westin Thursday March 20th, things shift into high gear Friday with a sit down dinner followed by a set from three of Yuk Yuk’s finest comics. This new and exciting event replaces the former Sunday Brunch as well as the casino night and Apollo Idol competition.
“After several years of the casino event, we wanted to shake things up. Change is good and this will be a very fun, exciting evening,” Apollo’s President, Brad Bostock, told GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine. “Apollo Idol is not going to be held this year. That is simply because the person who organized that portion of Western Cup no longer lives in Calgary, and those of us here haven’t had any experience with organizing it. We promise that the evening will still be entertaining.”
Saturday night gets invigorated at “reFresh”, a dance event also held at the Westin. Bostock told us that diversity makes the annual dance a favorite.
”It attracts people from 18 – 60, it really is a diverse, eclectic group of people. Many wait all year for the dance and look forward to meeting up with friends they may only see once or twice a year. We have people who come in every year from out of town such as a curling team from Winnipeg. It really is an exciting and fun evening.”
There are many packages available for those wanting to attend the social aspect of Western Cup, including a hotel package with 2 tickets to the dance and a night at the Westin for $139. Also available is a party pack including tickets to all three events for $75 – a substantial discount over individual ticket prices. Bostock spoke of the Westin’s contribution to Western Cup.
“They truly are a partner, as they recognize the uniqueness of the event and that it really is something different. They work with us to make sure that all of our needs are met. They have recently undergone extensive renovations and it really is a beautiful location for The Western Cup.”
While the social aspect is a vital part of The Western Cup, the heart of Apollo remains Friends in Sports. Six different athletic events will take place over the weekend including Badminton, Bowling, Curling, Ice Hockey, Swimming and Volleyball. Spectators are welcome and all events admission is free.
Having come off the successful North American Outgames in 2007, Bostock said that the organization learned a great deal about Apollo’s reputation.
“We really learned that the level of recognition and respect throughout North America for the Western Cup is very high. We have set a legacy and made a name that is really positive.”
Don’t forget that the sports during Western Cup are free to watch! Whether you are an athlete participating in the sports, or just a fan taking part in the festivities, Apollo Western Cup is the first big gay spectacle of the year.
Apollo Western Cup
March 20th – 22nd, 2008
www.apollocalgary.com
