MAGOG, Quebec – A significant badminton tournament is set to take place this weekend, April 3-4, at the Centre sportif La Ruche, attracting approximately 275 athletes. The event marks the ninth and final stage of the ABC circuit of Badminton Québec, serving as a crucial lead-in to the 2026 Yonex Elite/ABC Quebec Championship, scheduled for April 24-26 in Trois-Rivières.
The Estrie region will be well-represented at the Magog competition, with 13 players from the Vert & Or of the Université de Sherbrooke, seven from the Volontaires of Cégep de Sherbrooke and three members of the Bad-Estrie club all set to participate.
The tournament is organized by a committee from the Université de Sherbrooke, under the responsibility of Étienne Dupont. Organizers are encouraging the public to attend, with free admission for spectators.
The Centre sportif La Ruche, which is hosting the event, offers a variety of programs including swimming, fitness classes, and strength training. It’s a community hub for sports and recreation in the Memphrémagog region, operating outside of school hours using facilities from the local high school. The center was founded in 1993 as a non-profit organization and serves approximately 1500 members across five sessions.
For athletes looking to refine their skills, the Université de Sherbrooke also offers badminton opportunities through its Vert & Or program. According to the university’s website, the Centre sportif is present on all three of its campuses – principal, de la santé, and de Longueuil – providing a wide range of activities and services. The university’s sports facilities are available to students, employees, and families.
The upcoming tournament in Magog is particularly significant as it’s the final qualifying event for the 2026 Yonex Elite/ABC Quebec Championship. This championship, taking place in Trois-Rivières later this spring, will showcase the province’s top badminton talent. The ABC circuit serves as a pathway for players to earn their place at the elite level.
The strong local representation from the Estrie region – with players from the Université de Sherbrooke, Cégep de Sherbrooke, and Bad-Estrie club – highlights the growing popularity of badminton in the area. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity for these athletes to compete against the best in the province and gain experience as they strive for higher levels of achievement.
Spectators are welcome to attend the tournament at the Centre sportif La Ruche, and admission is free. This offers a chance for the community to support local athletes and experience the excitement of competitive badminton firsthand. The Centre sportif La Ruche will be closed for Pascal Holiday (evening of April 3, April 4 and 5, 2026) and for the Christmas Holidays.
Looking ahead, badminton enthusiasts can anticipate the 2026 Yonex Elite/ABC Quebec Championship in Trois-Rivières from April 24-26. This event will crown the provincial champions and provide a showcase for the highest level of badminton in Quebec. Further details about the championship, including schedules and ticket information, will be released by Badminton Québec in the coming weeks.
The tournament at the Centre sportif La Ruche promises to be a thrilling weekend of competition, showcasing the talent and dedication of Quebec’s badminton players. With free admission for spectators, it’s an excellent opportunity to support local athletes and enjoy a high-quality sporting event.
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