Sound the trumpets, beat the drums, and clap your hands, because the school component of the 40th Défi sportif AlterGo is underway! The first opening ceremony took place this morning in the multi-sport room of the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Two of our spokespersons, Jean-Marie Lapointe and Chantal Petitclerc, did the honours at the microphone. Meeker Guerrier and Nancy Audet joined them, along with Maxime Gagnon, president and CEO of AlterGo, Caroline Bourgeois, mayor’s representative, and Emy Poirier and Marylou Martineau, two of our athletic ambassadors. A warm-up session was held to prepare the kids for a busy day.
Come on down to watch school sports competitions in track and field, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, ball hockey, soccer, baseball, and much more, until April 28!
“I feel good here. I’ve been playing para hockey for four years. I like it a lot and I want to continue. 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 crowd was large and the participants were numerous. More than 600 athletes were in attendance, representing 37 different institutions from seven Quebec regions.
The presence of the parents was a moving sight to see. Sitting in the bleachers, they cheered on their children, took photos, and made sure not to miss even a moment of their child’s performance.
“This is our first time at the Défi sportif AlterGo. 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,” said Marie, mother of Nolan, who was attending with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Lanaudière.
Good times were had by all, from the passage under the human archway to the close of the day’s activities. As the Défi sportif AlterGo looks to the future, nothing could be more encouraging!
