On Monday, 630 athletes from 38 schools and rehabilitation centres from 7 regions of Quebec were gathered together. They all proudly made their way through the human archway, which was made up of dedicated volunteers and dignitaries who were on hand to pay tribute to their sports achievements.
38 educational establishments at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex
Today’s program included track and field events for athletes with physical limitations, baseball, rhythmic gymnastics, ball hockey, wheelchair slalom, and soccer.
For special educator Geneviève Courtemanche, it was her very first Défi Sportif AlterGo experience. “To me, today there is no better event than this one to allow them to really push their limits and see what they’re capable of, to really outdo themselves. One mother told me this is the only place where her child doesn’t feel judged. I found that very touching.”
For Loïc, who took part in the shot put event, participating in the Défi Sportif AlterGo has helped him believe in his own physical abilities. “It’s my first time. I like seeing that there’s an event for kids with foot problems [like me]. It warms my heart. Even me, when I see the kids jumping and running, I would say that they’re all giving 100%, all the time. We cheer each other on and everything.”
Isabelle Charest used her appearance at the Défi Sportif AlterGo to announce a major investment in adaptive sport
Isabelle Charest, the provincial minister of sport, recreation and the outdoors, came to cheer on the school athletes. She took advantage of the occasion to announce an investment of nearly $700,000 in the acquisition of adapted equipment for the practice of parasports.
“It’s important to provide structure, and it’s important to give young people access to events like this one, because there are so many benefits. And I know that one of the main barriers to practicing [adaptive] sports is a lack of access to adapted sports equipment.”
Several of the organizations who will receive this financial support were in attendance during the announcement.
Quebec’s para hockey team ready for game 2 against China
On Monday at 8:00 p.m., the Quebec para hockey team will take on Team China in the second of a 2-game series at the Howie-Morenz Arena. They will be looking to avenge last Friday’s overtime defeat.
“We know it’s not going to be an easy game,” admitted Team Quebec member Jonathan Daigle. “We’re going to have to play as a team, the way we do best.”
What’s happening on Tuesday?
After much anticipation, the first matches of the World Boccia Cup will finally take place! At the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, our young athletes will continue to dazzle the spectators in a variety of sports competitions.
