Montréal, April 24, 2023 – Chantal Petitclerc and Jean-Marie Lapointe were joined by Isabelle Charest, Minister of Sport, Recreation and the Outdoors, Lionel Carmant, Minister of Social Services, and Caroline Bourgeois, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the City of Montréal, to pronounce those magic words, which are especially poignant as the Défi sportif AlterGo celebrates 40 years!
A gathering of 37 schools
At 9:00 this morning, the Claude-Robillard Sports Centre was abuzz with excitement for the Défi sportif AlterGo. Delegates from 37 schools and rehabilitation centres passed under the human archway, which was made up of dedicated volunteers and dignitaries who were on site to applaud the athletes’ achievements. Seven Quebec regions were represented by these establishments.
Today’s program included track and field events for athletes with physical disabilities, baseball, rhythmic gymnastics, ball hockey, and soccer. Some students were experiencing the Défi for the first time. “I feel good here. […] It’s my first time at the Défi, and I know I’m going to come back,” said Nathan, an 11-year-old athlete who was in attendance with his group, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides.
The school component of the Défi sportif AlterGo also gives parents a chance to see their children thrive through sport at a major event. “It’s our first time at the Défi,” said Marie, mother of Nolan. “I think the kids were surprised by how big the event is. It’s exciting. It’s exhilarating. They really seem to be enjoying themselves.”
Read also : Let the 40th Défi sportif AlterGo Begin!
National para hockey team begins training camp
Saoud Messaoudi and the national para hockey team are beginning their preparations for the Canada–USA series. The entire team is attending a training camp at Howie-Morenz Arena. Once the camp is over, only the development-level players will remain in Montréal to face their American rivals. One of them is our athletic ambassador Saoud Messaoudi, who will represent Canada with dignity. “Preparations are going well. We’re starting to have the different lines work together, so that they can build some chemistry,” explained Messaoudi, between a post-practice recovery and a video session. Training continues tomorrow.
Coming up tomorrow
Tomorrow, cyclists from the SPVM Police Officers’ Cycling Tour will be on stage during the opening ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this fundraising event! The school component events will continue, while the Montréal 2023 World Boccia Cup gets underway.
