The school component of the 43rd Défi sportif AlterGo continued this Monday. All day Monday, the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex bustled with activity, as nearly 700 young people competed in 7 different sports disciplines.
Our spokespersons Meeker Guerrier and Jean-Marie Lapointe emceed the first opening ceremony of this very special Monday, addressing a crowd made up of young athletes, teachers, and staff, all of whom were eager to get the competitions underway.
Christine Black, mayor of the Montréal-Nord borough and municipal councillor responsible for family, seniors, youth, sports, and recreation, took a moment to address the crowd and wish everyone a great competition.
“Several people from the City of Montreal are in attendance today. We came because wanted to meet you, and we wanted to commend you for participating in this marvellous event called the Défi sportif AlterGo. I truly hope you have a wonderful time, and that you come away from this event with a strong sense of self-confidence, as well as many great memories. The Défi sportif AlterGo is an opportunity to have fun, come together, and above all, feel proud,” said Black.
“Thank you for choosing Boucherville!”
Canada’s top wheelchair curling athletes were greeted by the sound of bagpipes at the second opening ceremonies of the day, which took place at the Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot in Boucherville.
For the second year in a row, the Défi sportif AlterGo is hosting the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship. This year, the tournament features 12 teams from 9 Canadian provinces.
The mayor of Boucherville, Jean Martel, was on hand to wish the athletes a successful tournament and thank them for choosing Boucherville; he also said a few words to kick off the national parasport event.
The opening matches got underway in the late afternoon. The Quebec 1 Team, captained by our athlete ambassador Carl Marquis, won its first match of the tournament against Chris Daw’s squad from British Columbia.
Last but not least
The day ended with the opening of the Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup, a major competition that has brought together over 100 athletes from 21 countries.
Our on-site athlete ambassador, Alison Levine, was thrilled to see the World Cup return to Montreal after a 1-year absence.
“I always love it when Montreal hosts the World Cup. It means that my boccia life and my non-boccia life can all come together, and that more people can come watch and cheer me on,” she said.
AlterGo president and CEO Maxime Gagnon echoed that sentiment as he addressed the dignitaries, athletes, officials, and coaches in attendance.
“I would like to thank the international boccia community for answering the call. We’re very glad to welcome you back to Montreal after a 1-year absence!”
The boccia matches will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Certain matches will be webcast here.
