General

Ottawa, ON - Badminton Canada is pleased to announce the calendar of events for the 2017-18 domestic competition season. With over 15 events being held throughout the country over the next year, Badminton Canada in collaboration with Yonex is thrilled to once again host six Elite, and six Junior Elite Series events, in addition to four National Championship tournaments. We are also pleased to announce Black Knight as our sponsor for our Para-badminton National Team, as well as our second Para-badminton National Championships!
 

The Yonex Elite and Junior Elite Series showcase some of the best talent our country has to offer, as clubs come together to crown provincial champions. With tournaments drawing up to 200 competitors for one of the six events, and culminating to nearly 300 entries for the annual National and Junior National Championships, there is much pride to be won at each of these tournaments. Not only do these events serve as a great opportunity for athletes to compete against some of the nation’s best, but they also serve an important purpose in qualifying to represent Canada on the international stage. This past season, the 2016-17 Yonex Junior Elite Series events held important value in determining which athletes will represent Canada at the 2017 Junior Pan American Badminton Championships this July in Markham, Ontario.
 

“The Yonex Elite, more specifically the Yonex Junior Elite Series events hold great value for our Junior level athletes” said Jordan Bridal, High-Performance Manager, “competing at these events has a direct correlation with Junior National Team qualification criteria. By combining the top 3 scores of the Yonex Junior Elite Series events, with more points awarded for Junior Nationals, the point system is the primary determining factor in determining who will be part of our Junior National Team.”
 

This method of qualification will continue to hold true for the 2017-18 domestic competition season in attempt to qualify for the 2018 Junior National Team, as well as trying to secure a spot for the 2018 World Junior Championships, also to be held at the Markham Pan Am Centre. For a full list of the Yonex Junior and Senior Elite Series events, we encourage you to consult the Tournament Calendar at the link below:
 

http://www.badminton.ca/calendar/200/Running-Tournament-Calendar
 

The domestic calendar is also filled with excitement for our more experienced athletes – from student athletes to season veterans. Badminton Canada is pleased to announce the following clubs/locations for our four Yonex National Championships!
 

Our first national championship to be held will be the 2017 Para-Badminton Championships in September at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club. Badminton Canada is very excited and happy with the success of the first National Para-Badminton Championships last year in Moncton, NB. We are looking to continue to grow the para-program, and provide athletes with as much experience and support as possible leading into the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, where our goal is to be a regular podium finisher.
 

Starting off the new year from late January into February will be the 2018 Yonex National Championships at the Boulevard Club, in Toronto, ON. This event will showcase the top athletes in Canada, where winners of the event will be proudly named the best players in our country! With beautiful facilities in downtown Toronto, we look forward to be working with the Boulevard Club in hosting a national level tournament while providing a world class level of badminton.
 

Following soon after will be the 2018 Yonex College/University Championships to be held at the Universite de Laval, in Quebec City in March. With competitors attending the event from universities and colleges from across the country, the tournament will showcase the best and the brightest of our student-athletes.
 

As the spring begins to roll around, Badminton Canada looks forward to the 2018 Yonex Canadian Master’s Championships, being co-hosted at both the Vancouver Racquets Club, and the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, located only 10 minuntes apart in downtown Vancouver, BC. The Master’s Championships is a celebration of Badminton in Canada and serves those who have adopted the sport as part of their lifestyle, both competitively and socially. For those who are more competitive, the event is an optional qualifier for the 2019 BWF World Senior Championships.
 

For those unable to attend the 2018 Yonex Canadian Master’s Championships, Badminton Canada is pleased to announce Prince George, BC as the host of the 2020 Yonex Master’s Championships! Located in the north of British Columbia, the remote city will serve as a beautiful site to host one of our most diverse tournaments. We welcome and encourage badminton players of all ages to attend and participate in this wonderful competition.
 

Wrapping up our national championships is the 2018 Yonex U23 & Junior National Championships to be held in Burlington, Ontario in May of 2018. Located between Toronto and Hamilton, the Haber Community Centre will be a suitable location for many of our athletes who reside a short distance away in the Greater Toronto Area.
 

“We are confident that the Badminton Ontario will carry the momentum that Badminton New Brunswick has built for the Junior National Championships in Moncton these past two years” said Mike Luck, Events and Communications Officer. “Overall the 2017-18 season looks promising, there are many events in great cities that will better serve our badminton communities. We are looking forward to working with our P/TSO’s and our host clubs in continuing provide the best experience for our athletes.”
 

Although Badminton Canada is extremely excited for the 2017-18 season, we understand our domestic competition season would not be possible without our devoted partners and communities.
 

“Badminton Canada would like to recognize and thank Yonex as our title sponsor. Their continued support for our domestic events and programs have been greatly appreciated these past competitive seasons” said Joe Morissette, Executive Director, “all the equipment, prizes and gifts have been very well received by Badminton Canada and our community. We look forward to working with them to bring the best for our athletes in the upcoming 2017-18 season.”
 

“Additionally, we would like to thank all the provincial organizations and clubs that helped host many Badminton Canada events” continued Joe Morissette, “these events would not be possible without the provincial and regional support from many organizing committees, club organizers and volunteers. We congratulate all of our event bid winners for the 2017-18 season, and we look forward to working with you over the next year in preparation for each event.”
 

Badminton Canada would also like to congratulate all the athletes who competed in the Yonex events this past season. There were many outstanding performances to remember and take note of. We wish everyone the best of luck during the off-season, and look forward to seeing athletes return stronger in the fall.
 

Mike Luck
Events & Communications Officer
Badminton Canada
700 Industrial Av, Ottawa, ON
613-569-2424 Ext: 102