In September 2010, Stéphane Fortaich, a Lachine native and dedicated volunteer, took over the organization of badminton for the citizens of Lachine, a sport that was at risk of extinction. Gradually throughout the season, players contacted Stéphane because they were concerned about the sustainability of their sport.

It was then that the first members of the board of directors were assembled: René Breyel, Vickel Coossa, Steve Gagné, Stéphane Fortaich, and Julie Bérubé.

These first volunteers organized the very first Lachine Badminton Classic with the help of the Bon Départ Foundation and Black Knight. This tournament brought together about fifty players of all levels, youth and adults, and even a parent-child component! It was the club’s first tradition; a tradition that was intended to be unifying, recreational, and full of sportsmanship. Lachine merchants were there by providing door prizes to be drawn among the players. Over the years, this tournament grew in size, leaving aside the adult recreational component to focus on provincial-caliber players.

Every May, you can count on the Classic to deliver thrills on the courts!

Badminton Lachine was officially established as a non-profit organization in June 2011. Thanks to the support of Bon Départ, Black Knight, the Marquette MNA, and the Borough (not to mention Collège Sainte-Anne), the club has expanded its services to residents. When the youth classes first began, everyone was present in the gym at the same time.

Little by little, the levels were formed: beginner, intermediate, and competitive. Over the years, the level of play of the young players increased thanks to the presence of dedicated coaches at the club, such as Mike Ngo, Thi-Van Luong, Martin Lafond, Denyse Julien, Christophe Boulanger, and others. After a few years and with much effort from the coaches and volunteers, a course structure was established, including an elite level. It’s a source of great pride to see the club’s young players progress and continue their sport until they become involved as coaches, assistant coaches, or even head coaches.

It was then that the adults also wanted to benefit from more technical instruction. Clinics, internal tournaments, or friendly tournaments with other clubs were no longer enough. A coach therefore began training with the competitive adult group.

In 2013, our head coach Thi-Van Luong saw the team’s potential to host a stage of the provincial adult circuit. In November 2013, the Lachine Invitational took place for the first time, a stage of the Yonex Badminton Québec circuit.

The quality of the services offered, the gyms, and the proximity contributed to the resounding success of this event. 10 years later, the club is still a choice organizing committee!
And let’s not forget the club’s involvement in the Quebec Games. For the Lac-Saint-Louis region, the club organized the regional selection tournaments for several years. Another volunteer project is a resounding success!

Behind every coach, there is a team of volunteers who organize and plan. The members of the founding board have been volunteers for many years, including René and Vickel, who are still active after 12 years! The team has demonstrated great stability thanks to dedicated people for over five years, such as Stéphane Fortaich, Francis Colpron, Martine Javelas, Myriam Leonard, Yannick Raby, Emilie Wong, Vanessa Blanchette-Luong, Christophe Boulanger, and others. The involvement of members, whether occasional or long-term, has fueled the progress of projects at the club. Also noteworthy is the addition of an administrative officer, Camille Deschamps, a few years ago, who has greatly assisted volunteers. In 2022, the club’s first General Manager, Jean-Samuel Lampron, arrived.

Several awards have been won by club players: champion banners at the Montreal Games, the Quebec Games, and the annual provincial championships, as well as awards donated by Badminton Québec marking the exceptional seasons of certain players. Let’s not forget the awards won by volunteers: Borough Recognition Awards, organizational awards for a stage of the provincial circuit, and mentions for the best club in Quebec.

The club’s history is one of dynamic teamwork, innovative ideas, development, and, above all, kindness toward the players. Young and old alike are welcome!

The future of the club remains to be discovered. During my 11 years as president, each year, I saw our goals achieved and even surpassed. Only one dream remains: that the club find a home in the future Lachine Sports Centre so that we can finally have a “home” for our athletes, our banners, and the volunteer spirit that drives the club!