In 2024, the basho was first organized by Sumo Sundays, in partnership with Powell Street Festival Society, to bring sumo indoors. While we continue to host sumo exhibition at the festival, the basho provides competitors and spectators a longer format to engage with.

The basho continues to honour elements integrated into Powell Street Festival, such as rice prizes donated by Fujiya and the spirit of community. However, a longer format means more bracket options, more experienced competitors and a slightly more competitive edge.

Like Powell Street Festival, the basho aims to entertain, educate and engage. Over the last two years, we’ve included a taiko drumming component and, in 2025, we incorporated demonstrations.

Similar to Powell Street Festival, our basho is open to participants of all genders and experiences. We do not require sumo or competitive experience to participate. However, some participants may be more experienced in sumo and/or other martial arts compared to participants at the festival.

The basho operates in a competitive style, but does not conform to traditional sport conduct. For example:

• Brackets may be organized by weight, but we will never do weigh-ins at the event
• We have a clothing on rule for all competitors (a shirt and bottoms under the mawashi)
• We do not have rules on gender; competitors can register for the bracket they most identify with and trans folks are welcome in all brackets

Sumo Sundays hosts regular drop-ins for training. Leading up to the basho, we will host open mat training that will incorporate rules and starts.

Our basho would not be possible without the support of our volunteers. If you are interested in helping organize the basho or volunteering during the event, please fill out our volunteer form.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or partner of our 2026 basho, please email kayla [at] sumosundays [dot] ca to learn more about available opportunities.

What We Need

• Financial sponsorship to support event costs (i.e. rentals, supplies, honoraria, food for volunteers)
• Tangible donations for prizes/gifts/consumables, which can be provided to competitors, spectators (i.e. for door prizes/raffles) and/or volunteers

Recognition & Reach

Sponsors and partners are recognized through logo and verbal recognition at the event, on social media, our website and in relevant newsletters. A few stats:

• Sold out event each year (150-200 spectators)
• Up to 30 competitors of varying ages, identities and experiences
• Over 40 volunteers, organizers and staff
• 767 followers on Instagram
• 207 email subscribers

In 2025, our basho was featured twice on CBC (video and written articles).

Your Impact

Your support allows for a successful event.