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P O T L I G H T

Artistic Swimming (formerly known as Synchronized Swimming) is a lifelong sport meaning it's FUN and available for everyone five years of age and over. The sport results in the development of a high level of PHYSICAL FITNESS. Participating in artistic swimming is an enjoyable way to make FRIENDS through teamwork.

Lethbridge Synchrobelles has been providing programming in Lethbridge since 1977. All programming is offered at the University of Lethbridge Max Bell Regional Aquatic Center.

The organization hosts free come-try-it events twice a year for families to experience their programs. All coaches are trained and certified with Canadian Artistic Swimming.

http://www.lethsynchro.ca/

Lethbridge Synchrobelles Synchronized Swimming Club's philosophy is to develop confident artistic swimmers by providing swimming development, excellent technical training, and artistic expertise in a positive club environment that values sportsmanship, respect, and dedication.

The club offers opportunities for athletes aged five and older to achieve their artistic swimming goals through recreational or competitive programs. Programs run yearround for everyone, from the recreational AquaGo program to competitive programs for ages 8 to 20. The competitive division registration occurs in September, while the recreational programs registration runs in September and January.

A fun fact about artistic swimming is that all athletes learn compulsory figures and at least one team routine, which will develop and enhance their swimming skills. Figures are comprised of basic positions linked by transitional movements. Opportunities may be available for solo and duet routines as well. Routines are choreographed to music and performed at competitions and water shows.

For more information about the program, please visit the Synchrobelles website or contact them using the email below.

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization

LETHBRIDGE DISC GOLF ASSOCIATION S P O T L I G H T

The game of disc golf was invented in the very early 1900s by a group of elementary school friends. Disc golf began getting popular in the 1960s when more courses were being built in public locations. Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It saw a boost in participation during the pandemic partly due to many disc golf courses remaining open, unlike most sports facilities, and partly because disc golf is largely a socially distant sport.

The Lethbridge Disc Golf Association strives to grow and develop the sport of disc golf in Lethbridge and surrounding areas.

Disc golf can be played at a very casual level, with minimal expense. Or, those wishing to play competitively will also find that there are a variety of events offered in the Lethbridge area. Some local pro players offer private coaching on the side.

The Lethbridge Disc Golf Association regularly hosts beginner clinics. Disc golf is a very inclusive sport welcoming all ages and abilities.

Beginners are also welcome to join regular league night, which runs every Tuesday evening at 6 PM in Nicholas Sheran Park. The season typically begins in April of each year and extends until the weather no longer permits.

They have been fortunate to have the course at Nicholas Sheran Park for the last 20 years, Lethbridge Disc Golf Association helped with the installation and development of three new courses over the past two years at Lethbridge College, University of Lethbridge, and Peenaquim Park.

If you would like to join the association and take part in their many recreational and competitive opportunities follow them on Facebook and connect.

bridgecitygunnersdgc@gmail.com

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization

LETHBRIDGE AMATEUR WRESTLING ASSOCIATION S P O T L I G H T

Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Association (LAWA) was founded in 1985. LAWA traditionally trained at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. With program expansion and membership growth, LAWA began training at the University of Lethbridge in 2021 and now runs elementary and club programs out of that space while continuing middle/high school programming at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.

Wrestling is one of the most challenging and oldest sports, played in 182 countries. Amateur wrestling can have a tremendous impact on people's lives, teaching them to persevere through great challenges, which is where our tagline - after wrestling, everything is easycomes from.

There are many local opportunities to ' come try it' and learn more about the sport of wrestling. Practices are open to the public for a drop-in fee of $20. The wrestling season runs from October to April, with summer training available.

Registration is open all year long, although programs within school divisions have their own registration deadlines, typically in October. During the summer months, wrestlers meet at the University of Lethbridge for open club practices for all ages and abilities.

Wrestling is inclusive of all genders, ages, and abilities. The sport accepts those with disabilities willing to give the challenge a try. It's fun, it's inexpensive, and it's for everyone. LAWA offers programs for all ages starting as young as 6 years of age.

LAWA programs are divided into three age categories; elementary, junior high, and high school. Elementary athletes train two times per week. Athletes 15 and up have three practices per week with an optional club practice to supplement training needs.

LAWA's alumni include provincial and national champions, as well as several that have gone on to compete in the sport at the post-secondary level. LAWA is fortunate to have a strong and successful group of alumni; many of LAWA’s current participants are the children of our alumni. We are proud to have past athletes continue to contribute to the sport by being involved at a board of director capacity, passing on the torch to the next generation of athletes.

Sport Organization

S P O T L I G H T

Henderson Lake parkrun is one of 2,100 parkruns which are held around the world, every Saturday morning at 9am local time. All parkruns are free, inclusive, and timed 5k events organized by local volunteers and held in outdoor park environments.

Henderson Lake parkrun starts and finishes next to the Kinsmen Picnic Shelter on the north side of Henderson Lake.

Whether you walk, run, jog, or volunteer, inclusivity is a core aspect of the parkrun mission, because parkrun is for everyone! Everyone is welcome - all genders and ages (children ages 4 and up can participate with an adult), people with disabilities, people pushing strollers, or people with dogs on leashes.

Registration is completely free and only needs to be completed once, regardless of whether you intend to walk, run, volunteer or do a combination of all three! To register, complete the free on-line registration form at parkrun.ca, print your barcode, and come out to the event on Saturday mornings.

The barcode enables the parkrunner’s results to be recorded, processed, and emailed to them after each event.

parkrun is a community-based health and wellness event that is non-competitive and has no time limit in which to complete the course. Participants can track and monitor their times at parkrun.ca to track their own fitness progress. Computer timings are posted shortly after the event is finished. Participants can track their results at any parkrun they complete around the world. The results indicate “personal bests” and their performance by age group and gender.

Henderson Lake parkrun has many routine participants who have used Parkrun as an important component of their fitness and wellness programs. There are people who started their fitness programs at Henderson Lake parkrun who have gone on to complete marathons and ultra trail races. In addition to being a fitness event, parkrun provides an opportunity for people to meet and socialize with other members of the community in a welcoming and fun environment.

If you would like to learn more about Henderson Lake parkrun in Lethbridge, please contact hendersonlake@parkrun.com for more information or visit their Facebook page https://wwwfacebookcom/hendersonlakeparkrun

hendersonlake@parkrun.com

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB Sport Organization

LETHBRIDGE BMX RACING S P O T L I G H T

The Lethbridge BMX Association was incorporated in 1979, Lethbridge was one of the first BMX racing clubs in Canada. They've been hosting events and training from the same location for over 36 years.

The association provides family-friendly sport, where parents and children can compete at the same event and no one sits on the bench. They provide 1-time free trials during their season that begins in May and ends the last weekend of September. The programming offered is for all ages 4 to 65. Anyone able to ride a bike can join.

The Lethbridge BMX Association allows all genders and ages to participate. Many families have both parents and children competing. You can come as often or as little as you want up to 5 times a week from May to September. It is one of the most affordable sports; racing, coaching and practice times are included in your registration fees.

www.lethbridgebmx.com

Lethbridge BMX has produced several national and world level riders who have gone on to represent our province and nation in this Olympic sport.

Lethbridge BMX Racing club has had several temporary locations starting in the coulees, to the river-bottom, next to Marshalls Auto Wreckers, in what is now a parking lot to the north of the Ability Resource Centre, and finally to its new permanent home in 1986 where it remains to this day; located Northwest of the Dave Elton Ball Complex and North of the Chinese Cemetery. Turn west on 6th Ave. North from Stafford Drive North and turn North just before the cemetery. The track itself has seen many incarnations as the design of the obstacles changed and progressed with the sport.

The 2020 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Fund was comprised of remaining casino funds generated by Games volunteers and sponsorships that were donated to the legacy fund after the decision was made to cancel the Games due to the global pandemic. Thirty-two sport, school, community, and cultural not-for-profit organizations were collectively awarded $276,141.61. Lethbridge Bicycle Moto-Cross Association - $40,000 to contribute to the most recent upgrades at the track. We strongly encourage you to check it out.

info@lethbridgebmx.com

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization

PEAK ELITE CHEERLEADING S P O T L I G H T

Cheerleading recently received full International Olympic Committee recognition and could see its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Peak Elite Cheerleading was incorporated in 2022 formerly known as Perfect Storm Athletics. They're located at 2920 18th Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Peak Elite Cheerleading offers monthly 'Check Out Cheer' classes where athletes can participate in a mock practice and learn the basics of jumping, tumbling, and stunting before committing to a team.

Peak Elite provides adaptive and inclusive programming happily named "special abilities unified" and trains traditional teams at the recreational level as well. Registration is heaviest from May to September and from November to December. They offer classes for as young as 4 years through to Masters athletes 40+ years of age.

Peak Elite Cheerleading offers a wide var of programs, including:

Age Divisions: U6, U8, U12, U16, Open Masters.

Gender: All genders.

Ability: Recreational, Novice, Elite and Performance

Peak Elite Cheerleading is extremely prou the program that has been developed ov last eight seasons. The gym is a home aw from home for so many staff, athletes, and their families. The focus has and will always be on the personal and skill progression of each athlete. The incredible staff is known for reinforcing safety and technique and this has led to over 200 provincial, national and international victories!

Cheerleading is for EVERY body, EVERY gender, EVERY age and EVERY ability. The culture of cheerleading is nothing less than extraordinary. Imagine stepping out onto a floor lit with concert lighting and booming music with your best friends. All eyes are on your team for the next 2 1/2 minutes as you toss, tumble, and jump in unison to the beat of the music and roar of the crowd.

You can reach Peak Elite Cheerleading by phone (403) 328-3990, email, or by visiting th website.

info@peakelitecheerleading.ca

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization

PASS POWDERKEG SKI AREA S P O T L I G H T

For over 5000 years skiing was primarily a mode of transportation until the mid-19th century when recreation became the focus when ski lifts began being installed. Pass Powderkeg Ski Area, located in the Crowsnest Pass in the community of Blairmore, has been operating since 1938.

Pass Powderkeg is a community-owned ski area, providing affordable winter recreation for people of all ages and experience levels. They offer a fantastic snow school, night skiing, and great value for guests from 18 months to over 80 years of age! Opening from mid-November until late March, there are tons of opportunities to get out and be active this winter.

Over the past 5 years, Pass Powderkeg has put in over $1 million in improvements to enhance the skiing experience.

Parents are welcome to take lessons, watch from afar, or ski/snowboard at the ski area while children are in lessons.

At PPK, the beginner lift and discover area is free! All you need is equipment, which can be rented at the lodge if you don't have your own. This is a great way for young children and first timers to get comfortable in the environment before taking the next learning step into a structured lesson.

Kids 7 and up can register for the Learn to Turn program, which is a 4 lesson series focused on skill building and confidence. You'll start with the basics and progress through essential skills. Once you have completed Learn to Turn, you receive a free season pass and discounts on equipment rentals.

"The learn to turn program is amazing and we had an incredible family experience at this hill. Thank you to all the staff for being so incredibly encouraging and welcoming "

"Excellent attention from the entire team … from the staff who gave us the equipment to the instructors who were very patient with our questions and our children excellent place to start the first steps in this beautiful sport … "

"Not only are the lessons convenient to book, attend, and keep track of; but a wholehearted approach to skier independence is applied as a "soft skill" with every lesson. Thank you PPK team, as everyone is in on the gains. "

The ski area also hosts over 17km of free mountain bike trails from beginner level to expert.

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization

WEST WIND GYMNASTICS CLUB S P O T L I G H T

West Wind Gymnastics Club is a not-for-profit club with programs for gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, ninja (coming soon!) parties, camps, and field trips.

The organization has been a registered notfor-profit since 1976. They pride themselves in having a positive feel-good atmosphere where the focus is placed on instilling a love for physical fitness while also developing personal values through their Powerful Words Character Development Program. The belief is that teaching children to have an elite athlete MINDSET is equally as important as teaching them a love for gymnastics.

The gym is located on 245 10St North and registration is open year-round. They offer programming for 18 months to adult classes. Parents participate in classes with their child until the child turns 3. Competitive team parents volunteer at bingos and competitions. Recreational parents do not have any volunteer requirements.

https://westwindgym.com

West Wind Gymnastics offers Spe Classes as well as programming fo with disabilities in a format to mee individuals' needs best.

Something many people may not the sport is that Trampoline and P Tumbling is a Co-Ed Sport - there many of those around!

Men's gymnastics was on the schedule of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and it has been on the Olympic agenda continually since 1924. Olympic gymnastic competition for women began in 1936 with an all-around competition, and in 1952 competition for the separate events was added.

In addition to their recreation and competitive programming, West Wind Gymnastics also offers extra events like monthly 'Parent's Night Out' and PD day camps and clinics. You can even book a birthday party for your child at their facility!

Check out WestWindGym.com for more information and to register, or give them a at 403-320-1373.

office@westwindgym.com

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB Sport Organization

LETHBRIDGE BADMINTON CLUB S P O T L I G H T

The Lethbridge Badminton Club (LBC) incorporated in the spring of 2022 following the retirement of coaches Sharon and Paul Fogtmann of the junior badminton club in 2020 after 22 years of operation.

The club's mission is to build a grassroots badminton program. Coaching will be part of all programs and available for recreational and competitive levels of play. The club’s head coach, Martin Lawrence, comes with years of international coaching experience.

Registration for fall programming will open mid to late August offering programs for ages 6 and up.

Along with Martin, the club is working with Badminton Alberta to host the CompetitionIntroduction coaching course in September, and further coaching courses as club players, and coaches develop. Contact the club if you are interested in signing up for coach training.

There is no mandatory expectation for parents of LBC youth and mini-programs, but as a new club there is an opportunity to become involved.

If you are in contact the email them their new w The LBC in Council ho Day which attend. The event to co DID YOU K

Badminton is the world's fastest racket t The shuttle can travel faster than 400km/hour (the world record is 493km/hour).

A badminton player can cover more tha mile in just one match. The best shuttles are made from the fe from the left wing of a goose. 16 feathers are used to make a shuttle. The first Canadian championships were in Montreal in 1921.

Badminton's history dates back to Ancie Greece and the early Far-Eastern civiliz versions of the game, sometimes using instead of a racket, have been depicted on pottery around 3,000 years ago, in C Badminton's first Olympics was in 19 The two most successful badminton countries are China and Indonesia w between them have won 70% of all I events. They regularly get 1500+ spe those events

Source: www.badmintonalberta.ca/page/2275/Facts

lethbadclub@gmail.com

LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Sport Organization LETHBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB S P O T L I G H T

Lethbridge Rugby Club is located on the north side of Lethbridge and has been incorporated since 1971. Rugby is a sport where it is never too late to join! The skill level on their teams ranges from first-year players (never played before) to national team and university players. It's a great environment, promoting physical activity, player development, and inclusivity. Their more experienced players and coaches help new players and work with them to learn the basic skills and rules. LRC is exceptionally welcoming to new players, and they are always so excited to have new people join the sport to help them!

Their senior men ' s and women ' s teams practic together, which is great for bonding, growth, and direct competition. The groups split to wo on team-specific plays and have team runthroughs before games. They practice twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in the evening and games are primarily on Saturday afternoo Games are mainly in Calgary at the CRU or in Lethbridge. The rugby season runs from May until August for Women and May until September for Men. We compete in the rugby league represented by the Calgary Rugby Union

Registration is open in April. They offer programming for all age groups! They have mini touch rugby, junior rugby, and senior (18+)

There is no mandatory expectation for parents of their youth and mini-programs, but there is an opportunity to be involved. However, there is an expectation for the senior programs to work bingos for fundraising and be part of committees for social aspects at the club (cooking, cleaning, field maintenance, etc.).

Rugby is a sport where the rules are the same for men, women and (for the most part) youth! A super-inclusive sport that has a place for everyone regardless of size, ability, fitness, age and experience! Rugby is also a unique sport where the two teams often come together to share a meal, hang out, and award a player of the match for each unit after every game. The respect and integrity in rugby are unique compared to many other sports.

They have had many players go on to play on the national team, and their very own Ashley Steacy (Patzer) went to the Olympics for rugby! Their Women's team won the Division II league in 2019.

Rugby is so inclusive and is a sport for everyone! Players on the senior team ages range from 18-to 60! We have a great community, and the Women's and Men's teams are very connected and support each other at games!

lethbridgerugbyjuniors@gmail.com

HIGH LEVEL CANOES AND KAYAKS

Sport Organization S P O T L I G H T

Since 2007 High-Level Canoes & Kayaks has been a family-owned business with a love for the outdoors. Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddle Boarding are beautiful ways to see unique sites. Whether you are out for an afternoon float or a whitewater experience, Southern Alberta is a great place to paddle. High-Level Canoes & Kayaks has all the gear to get you started and keep you going

High-Level Canoe and Kayaking offers lessons in canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Our camps and lessons are for participants age five and going up from there Our registration for classes usually opens up in February for lessons and camps in June - July. If you missed registration, we offer free demos at Henderson lake every year on Canada Day, come out and give it a shot.

A recent accomplishment we are very proud of is placing 3rd in the Mixed B division in the Lethbridge Dragon Boat festival in 2019!

A fun fact about Kayaking is that early kayaks were known as “umiak” and used by ancient tribes to transport their entire family. These kayaks were up to 60 ft in length. The traditional umiak was made from a driftwood or whalebone frame with walrus or seal skins stretched over. Seal oil was used to coat and waterproof the seams

Some recent member testimonials from our members and customers:

"

...

Outstanding company, I would give six stars if I could "

"

Even after knowing that I wasn ’t going to buy anything because they were out of stock of the products that I needed (thanks covid), the staff still spent lots of time helping me figure out a solution to work right away with what I had. So friendly and so knowledgeable! Can ’t wait to come back and try one of their courses!"

"

Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. "

1805 – 2nd Avenue S, Lethbridge, AB

Weekdays 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturdays are seasonal, please check online

Closed Sundays

We invite you to check out our website. Let us know if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.

LETHBRIDGE BOWBENDERS ARCHERY CLUB

Sport Organization S P O T L I G H T

The Lethbridge Bowbenders Archery Club has been in existence since 1972. Archery is a sport for all ages, all genders, and is an all-season sport. During the winter, we shoot indoors. When spring comes, we are all eager to get outside and enjoy our sport.

There are several disciplines associated with archeryIndoor Target, Outdoor Target, Field, Indoor 3D, and Outdoor 3D. This is a sport for the whole family. We've had participants as young as 5 years old and as old as in their 80's. All ability levels are welcome. Come join our archery "family"!

The Lethbridge Bowbenders have hosted four National 3D Championships (2006 - Outdoor, 2007, 2011, 2013Indoor). We have hosted Provincial Championships several times as well. for many years, Lethbridge archers have earned medals at National Championships consistently Some of our members still hold National records. One member has represented Canada in five World Archery Championships and another in a World Field Championship. Some members have participated in World Cup events with one previous member winning a World Cup Final silver medal. Many of young archers have won medals in the Alberta Winter Games. 2022 will be the 25th Anniversary of the Ironman competition at the Lethbridge Exhibition

Memberships can be purchased at anytime through the Bowbenders website. Junior program registration begins in August and classes begin in September

Three sessions are run from: September - October, November - December, and January - February. Each session runs for eight weeks total We offer beginner sessions for a nominal fee. All sessions are at the indoor range with publicity on the website and on Facebook Junior Programs are for youth 7 to 17 years of age. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced lessons are offered. Although it is not expected, the club hopes that the parents and children of the Junior Program will volunteer for duties at the annual Ironman competition held every January at the Exhibition grounds.

Our indoor Archery Range is located at 545 - 30 Street North, Lethbridge. The range is wheelchair accessible, there is no step at the entrance and the washroom is accessible.

Our head coach has trained a para-archer who competed in a World Archery Championship. Wheelchair archers are welcome. There is a great need in Canada for para-archers to train for international events including the Para-Olympics.

One fun fact about Archery that you might not know is according to World Archery, the sport’s international governing body, when archery was introduced to the Olympics in 1900, archers competed in the popinjay competition. The object was to shoot a “bird” from atop a pole. The bird, however, was simply a plastic tube with feathers Not a real bird

To inquire, contact: