It was a busy Tuesday morning at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, where 600 schoolchildren, who were on hand to take part in today’s school component competitions, also witnessed the departure of the SPVM (Montreal police) Cycling Tour of Canada, presented by Solutions One Sky in collaboration with Amir, VR St-Cyr, and the Caisse Desjardins des policiers et policières.
A long-standing collaboration
Although the SPVM Cycling Tour is in its 30th year, this year’s edition is the 13th in support of the Défi sportif AlterGo, Canada’s largest multi-sport event.
Members of the police force regularly attend the Défi sportif AlterGo, where they cheer on the young athletes they have helped support through the tour. However, this year, for the first time, all the officers were in attendance together, as the 13th cycling tour in support of the Défi departed on a very special journey during the school component.
This year, the cyclists will cross Canada by bike in just over two weeks, finishing the ride in Richmond, British Columbia. Once there, they will present a Défi sportif AlterGo flag to the OneAbility Games—the very first event inspired by the Défi to be held outside of Quebec.
During this morning’s opening ceremonies, just before the official start of the tour, Montreal police chief Fady Dagher spoke a few words on his own behalf and on behalf of all the cyclists who will join him on the journey.
“Thank you very much for inviting us. I’m the one holding the microphone because I’m the chief, but the ones who should really be speaking are all my colleagues, both active-duty and veteran members of the SPVM. I’m very proud of them. For 13 years now, they have been committed to supporting the Défi sportif AlterGo. All you young people, know that we’re doing this for you,” he declared.
Chantal Rouleau, Member of the National Assembly for Pointe-aux-Trembles and Minister responsible for social solidarity and community action, also took a moment to thank the police officers for their commitment and cheer them on at the starting line.
I donate to support the SPVM Cycling Tour
Toward a national parasports movement
The Montreal police officers have joined forces with AlterGo to raise $500,000 in 2026. This effort is part of AlterGo’s very first major fundraising campaign, “Dépassons les limites” (Let’s Break Through the Barriers Together).
Through this campaign, the AlterGo team seeks not only to continue expanding the Défi sportif AlterGo year after year, but also to encourage the creation of similar events across Canada.
Hence the idea of crossing the country to arrive in BC in time for the OneAbility Games.
Members of the OneAbility Games team visited the Défi sportif AlterGo, drawing on AlterGo’s expertise as they organized the inaugural edition of the event in BC. A portion of the funds raised through the bike tour will also be used to support the OneAbility Games in British Columbia.
In the coming years, other Canadian provinces are expected to host events inspired by the Défi sportif AlterGo.
Competitions continue at our two major events
At the Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot in Boucherville, the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship continued throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup got underway at the Maurice-Richard Arena.
I check out the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship schedules and results
I check out the Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup schedules and results
Read also :
“I’ve been waiting years to thank you” -Deb Murin, OneAbility Games Adapted Sports Champion
