Starting with humble beginnings back in 1981, four people attended the first meeting, the Apollo Friends in Sports group has grown the Western Cup into a robust annual multi-sport festival with over 1,500 attendees from across North America. The event is focused on five sports - volleyball, bowling, curling, dodgeball, and hockey - but also features Calgary’s largest LGBTQ+ dance party and a drag brunch. While the event primarily caters to the LGBTQ+ community it welcomes members of all communities making it a celebration of inclusivity. 

Tourism Calgary has helped market and service the event over the years, seeing its positive impact on the community and ability to attract attendees. In 2013 Tourism Calgary supported Apollo, Friends in Sports as they hosted the North American Gay Volleyball Association in Calgary, showcasing how strong local relationships can lead to further event opportunities.