Montréal, April 27, 2023 – Thursday was the biggest day of the 40th Défi sportif AlterGo’s school component, with 1,256 students representing 56 institutions from eight Quebec regions in attendance! The heat was on in the Montréal 2023 World Boccia Cup quarter-finals, and Canada and the USA faced off for the first time this week in para hockey.
Mathieu Dandenault and Kim St-Pierre impressed by the young athletes
The Défi sportif AlterGo’s partners were on site to cheer on the athletes from the school component. Loto-Québec, the Bourassa Savaria Foundation, and the TD Bank Group were all recognized for their collaboration. The Montréal Canadiens Children’s Foundation was also present, accompanied by former Canadiens player Mathieu Dandenault. “As a former Canadien, I feel it’s important to give back. It’s essential for these young athletes, because it’s their big day.”
Kim St-Pierre, triple medallist with the women’s national hockey team, was on hand to represent the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Foundation of Quebec. “Today, the true champions are the kids, the coaches, and the school staff.”
Having enjoyed a memorable experience at the mini-marathon on Friday, April 21, Lysanne Richard was back this morning for the opening ceremony. “The energy is incredible. We’re all here together to share this one-of-a-kind experience. I’m proud to see the motivation and the courage of the athletes, and I’m filled with admiration and gratitude for all the work done beforehand by the organizers, the guides, the teachers, and the volunteers.”
Read also: When Veterans Guide Newcomers
Canadian para hockey players hit the ice
Aside from the international boccia competition, another event is garnering a lot of attention: the Canada-USA para hockey series. Saoud Messaoudi and Raphaëlle Tousignant are both representing Canada under the leadership of Vincent Boily, captain of the developmental team this year.
During the first period, the Canadians held tight defensively despite numerous attacks by the Americans. Early in the second period, however, a turnover in Canada’s defensive zone allowed the USA to open the scoring. The USA then quickly doubled its lead with a second goal. The Canadians fought hard until the end of the second period, but to no avail. In the final period, the Americans scored again to win 3-0.
Coming up tomorrow
The individual events of the Montréal 2023 World Boccia Cup will conclude with finals in all categories. Alison Levine, Iulian Ciobanu and Danick Allard have all advanced to the semi-finals. Wheelchair basketball and power soccer will get underway at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit. In game two of the Canada-USA para hockey series, the Canadians will attempt to avenge today’s loss.
