Another action-packed day took place at the Défi sportif AlterGo Thursday, with over 1,200 young athletes competing in 6 sports both inside and outside of a bustling Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard. The Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot in Boucherville was also back in action – as were the athletes competing in the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships.
School competitions: a source of pride and joy for thousands of students and teachers
Whenever school competitions take place, pride and celebration are always the order of the day: young athletes, accompanying staff, and parents in attendance all share the enthusiasm. Many young athletes have been training for months in preparation to test their abilities at the Défi sportif AlterGo, and this week is the culmination of all their efforts.
This is exactly the case for students accompanied by Lucille Gagné, one of the two special educators at École des Coteaux de Mascouche; she and one of her colleagues carefully organize every aspect of their school’s participation in the event.
“It means so much to our students. They’ve been training every week for all their teams, and for each of their disciplines – right from the very moment we registered in January. Today is the culmination of all that training – and the pride in their eyes… it’s really worth it. This week it all pays off,” confirms Ms. Gagné.
Ms. Gagné used to come to the Défi sportif AlterGo with her elementary school students a few years ago. When she started working at École des Coteaux roughly four years ago, she was thrilled to be able to continue participating at the Défi Sportif AlterGo.
For Lucille’s students, and for all the other eager, talented, students participating, the Défi sportif AlterGo is genuine motivation to train and stay active.
Théodore Gallant receives Club de la médaille d’or grant
During a special morning organized for Défi sportif AlterGo partners, the Club de la médaille d’or awarded a grant to Théodore Gallant. Athlete ambassador for the 40th Défi sportif AlterGo in 2019, Théodore is a promising wheelchair basketball player. The $500 bursary from the Club de la médaille d’or will help support him in pursuit of his athletic career.
Final qualifying matches for the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship
At Boucherville’s Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot, games resumed with an adjusted schedule on Thursday. Luc Hamel’s Quebec team won 2 of their 3 games, but lost to Gilbert Dash’s team at the very end of the day. The 2024 champion Saskatchewan team also won against the Ontario team 10-5.
Carl Marquis’ team won its match against the other Saskatchewan team, but lost its match against the Northern Ontario team.
Parahockey, Powerchair Soccer, and Wheelchair basketball start tomorrow
Friday, May 2 is your last chance to see the 42nd edition’s School Program athletes in action. Nearly 600 young athletes will bring this busy and exciting week to a close at the Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard.
Also Friday, Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships final qualifying matches and quarter-finals will take place at Boucherville’s Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot.
Head to Howie-Morenz Arena Friday to watch the Junior Para-Hockey tournament get underway, featuring, among others, Défi sportif AlterGo ambassador athlete Félix Gemme.
Meanwhile, Longueuil will get action rolling courtside, with Powerchair Soccer and Wheelchair Basketball tournaments, featuring two additional ambassador athletes, Caroline Séguin and Jonathan Vermette.
