After a superb first day yesterday, the Défi sportif AlterGo continued Saturday, and featured the second intense match of the International Blind Hockey series, as well as skillful National Boccia competitions. The chilly rain couldn’t dampen spirits, as the Chantal Petitclerc Para-Athletics Classic took place on the outdoor track at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard, requiring a few adjustments owing to the weather.
Team Canada wins second match in International Blind Ice Hockey – cinching the series
At the Howie-Morenz Arena, Team Canada and Team USA once again took to the ice to dispute the second match in the International Series. Sports fan will recall that yesterday, Team Canada trounced Team USA in the first game of the series. Today was no different, as those donning the maple leaf got the better of their opponents and finished the game with a score of 9-2 Canada.
Team Canada has officially won the series, having triumphed in two of three games.
« We’re very proud to be here in Montreal, and at the Défi sportif AlterGo, it’s always big and gets media coverage. Getting the word out about our sport is our primary objective, and then winning. We’re not used to always having lots of people coming to see us, because the sport is not well known. It’s wonderful to have so many people here today,” said Quebec player Bruno Haché after the game.
Défi sportif AlterGo athlete ambassador Thomas Raymond once again scored a goal during today’s match, bringing his series total to 2 overall so far.
The two teams will meet on the ice once again tomorrow for the final game of the series. Head to Howie-Morez Arena, Sunday at 10h00 (10 :00 am EST) to be in the crowd for the final confrontation of this first-ever in Québec blind hockey event!
The Chantal Petitclerc Classic: the multi-medallist paralympian cheers athletes on
Not even the rain could stop provincial para-athletics athletes competing in track events (100m, 200m, 400m and 800m), and shotput events on Saturday afternoon at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard. Paralympic multi-medallist and Défi sportif AlterGo spokesperson Chantal Petitclerc was on hand to cheer on athletes and award medals at this, her namesake event.
She also took the time to share feelings of inspiration at the next generation of athletes taking part: “It’s pretty fantastic because I’m coming here to the 42nd Défi sportif AlterGo and I don’t know anyone! I think this is a good sign, because it means there’s a whole generation of young athletes, including girls, who continue to keep para-athletics alive, strong and powerful. I find it extraordinary to see these athletes, these young people, maybe they’ll end up at the Paralympic Games in a few years’ time and maybe not, it doesn’t matter. They’re living all the experiences that I’ve lived too, and which have been so important to me.”
Athlete Lee Leclerc earned the City of Montreal trophy for the best result in three combined events.
Boccia finals and the last game in the International Blind Hockey Series bring the first weekend to a close at the 42nd Défi sportif AlterGo
The first weekend of the 42nd Défi sportif AlterGo comes to a close tomorrow, Sunday April 27, with the National Boccia finals at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard, and a final match in the International Blind Hockey Series. Sunday may be a somewhat quieter day, but its only to prepare for more thrills this upcoming week. As of April 28th and all week long, a slate of lively school program competitions will take place at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard. Also, don’t miss the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships at Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot (Boucherville).
