For years, a badminton club has met at Maple Leaf Elementary School in Morden, paying fees to cover insurance costs of the gymnasium the members play in. Now, the club has been offered a time-slot at the Morden Collegiate Institute gym which will save each person $20. Last Friday was the first night for the new off-shoot club.

So, now there are two extra days a month where badminton aficionados can gather and play their game in Morden: Tuesday evenings at Maple Leaf School and the second and fourth Friday, in the evening, at MCI.

Vassan Aruljothi lives in Morden and is originally from Malaysia, where badminton is as important as hockey is here. Aruljothi called Morden's recreation programmer, Stephanie Dueck, asking if there was any available space to expand the badminton club.

"I really wanted to play," said Aruljothi.

He said that the insurance fees, which cover the entire season, October to May, are not an obstacle for the serious player. However, people who are less dedicated may be encouraged to join in more often since the Friday night sessions are free of charge.

Malaysia has religious and cultural divisions, but, according to Aruljothi, badminton encourages unity.

"When badminton happens, we all come together," said Aruljothi. "It's in our blood."

Badminton is one of the fastest games in the world, with a smashed birdie travelling up to 350 kilometres per hour.

Aruljothi says badminton is like his therapy. He plays four nights a week.

"I've been playing since I'm three years old," he said. "When I'm sad, I play badminton; when I'm happy, I play badminton."

Aruljothi urges more and more people to come and play, whether they're beginners or experienced players. Badminton is played at MCI gymnasium every second and fourth Friday evening of the month.