Olds has its own group committed to developing badminton players.
On any given Monday night, as many as 40 people of varying ages show up at Deer Meadow School to play.
They belong to the Olds Badminton Club, a group founded 22 years ago by resident Veronica Reist. Back then, when the school was newly constructed, she asked to run a club for children and adults.
Reist had played badminton during high school. At first, the club was about connecting with others who shared her interest in the sport. Then they started teaching it to kids.
Youth aged six to 18 can register and learn the game. Others can sign up for a 10-week session or just drop in, at a cost of $4. The club provides shuttlecocks and has a few racquets for players to borrow.
"It's a very high-energy game that keeps you fit. It's lots of laughter and lots of fun. It's just a very good community game and you're always meeting new people. It's an easy game to learn; anybody can play," Reist said.
"And I'm having so much fun with my grandson. He started a year-and-a-half ago and loves it. He's six years old and is having the time of his life, cannot wait to go."
Reist said the badminton season offered through schools is short -- only a few weeks. The club is a place for players to spend more time practising the sport.
Mary Smith, who heads the Olds College badminton program, is the club's coach.
"Badminton has given me a lot over the years: scholarships through school and travel opportunities. I just love the game and really want to give back to the children and help them realize they can be good players. So that's why I'm involved," she said.
Members of the Broncos team also come out and help coach the young players, Reist said.
She adds players who once took lessons as children still come to play now that they've reached adulthood.
That's one of the things Smith likes most about the game. There are tournaments for players over 30, 35, 40, all the way up to 80.
"It's a lifelong sport where you can travel and play all your life."
