Although the Phénix des Rivières Soccer Club in Quebec City is not a school, it has taken part in the school component of the Défi sportif AlterGo 5 times since 2018.
Marie-Michèle Thériault, who oversees the club’s adapted soccer program, explained how this came about and why it is important for her young players to have access to experiences like this one.
A quarter-century of inclusive soccer
The Phénix des Rivières Soccer Club’s adapted soccer program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It was founded in 2000, and to this day, it remains the only program of its kind in the greater Quebec City area.
“At our club, we accept all players. We can’t divide them into categories, because we’re the only club in the Quebec City area, including the South Shore. So everyone plays together. In some cases, they play against 25-year-olds, and it’s not an issue. Everyone is used to playing together, regardless of age,” explained Thériault.
Her soccer group is mostly made up of young people with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities, but there are also players with Down syndrome or mobility impairments. Most of them are young, but some are a little less young.
Competitions and gatherings
In 2017, Thériault was asked by some of the parents to put together a junior team to bring to the Défi sportif AlterGo.
According to Thériault, participating in the event holds special significance for her young athletes, who are often in the regular stream at school and do not necessarily take physical education classes, and thus would not otherwise be able to participate in the school component.
“They enjoy competing and meeting other young people.”
In 2018, Thériault asked the Défi sportif AlterGo’s organizing committee if her group could participate in the school component, even though the group represents a club and not a school. The answer was yes!
The Phénix des Rivières Club attended again in 2019, 2024, and 2025. This year, they are participating for the 5th time. In fact, two groups are taking part in the Défi sportif this year because, for the first time, Thériault is also bringing a high school group.
“At the adapted sports fairs I attended in Quebec City, parents were often surprised to discover that we existed. So then, more teens began to register. They’re the reason I wanted to bring a high school group [to the Défi sportif].”
Thériault felt it was important to bring more young people to the Défi sportif AlterGo because it offers them a chance to experience things they cannot experience elsewhere.
“It’s not competition simply for the sake of competition. If they don’t win a medal, it’s fine.”
For Thériault’s groups, playing against teams they don’t know—just like in a real competition—is a significant experience.
And of course, the festive atmosphere, the parade of athletes, the opening ceremonies, and the entertainment area all add up to a wonderful day for the kids.
Training mentor athletes
It goes without saying that bringing groups of young people to Montreal from Quebec City for a day of competition requires a lot of planning. Especially since Thériault is the only person in charge of her groups.
Fortunately, some of the parents are able to help, and she also has the support of mentor athletes, whom she trains to assist her with both newcomers to the team and some of the younger members.
She learned of this approach through different training programs, including Special Olympics webinars.
“Some of the athletes I’ve been coaching for a long time—or even just a short while—have the capacity and potential to help teach the others. Of course, it does require that I put in a little more work, because I have to supervise them. I don’t leave them to fend for themselves.”
However, it also provides Thériault with assistance in coaching the younger athletes, as well as support when she organizes activities to introduce adapted sports in Quebec City.
And it definitely provides the mentor athletes with a sense of accomplishment.
A true spirit of inclusion
Thériault is well aware of the importance of adapted sport. Both her sons have physical disabilities, and both are involved in parasports, as wheelchair basketball and boccia players.
Through the adapted sports program at Phénix des Rivières, Thériault embodies the spirit of inclusion that is so important to her—just as it is to the Défi sportif AlterGo.
“There was this one kid who used a walker, and I asked the Défi sportif AlterGo if he was allowed to play. They said yes, everyone is included. That’s what we do, too—we include everyone. Everyone is welcome,” she concluded.
