The sport of para hockey is on the Défi sportif AlterGo’s schedule every year. And that’s a very good thing, because it allows young athletes with disabilities to fulfill their dreams of playing hockey.
Such is the case for our athlete ambassador Éloic Constantineau, who is competing in the Junior Para Hockey Tournament at the 43rd Défi sportif AlterGo this weekend, hoping to defend the gold medal he won last year.
For Éloic’s mother, Julie Tougas, the tournament is yet another wonderful opportunity for her to see her son thrive in the sport he loves, alongside teammates and friends who have forged a close-knit community.
His all-time favourite sport
“Éloic has always loved hockey. We tried many times to get him interested in other sports, since hockey on skates was no longer a possibility for him, but he was disappointed each time,” recalled Tougas, when asked about Éloic’s athletic journey.
The young athlete had been playing regular ice hockey since he was 4 years old, but his condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, made it increasingly difficult.
“When we discovered para hockey, everything changed for him. Now, he can truly pursue his passion.”
These days, Éloic can envision playing para hockey for a very long time.
“I definitely want to play para hockey for as long as I can, because each morning when I wake up, I want to play it. I want to play para hockey all the time,” he said.
Beyond athletic performance: A community
In addition to the athletic aspect, Tougas is thrilled that Éloic has become part of a community through the adaptive version of his sport.
“In this group, no one pays any attention to his differences—everyone has their own differences, and everyone faces their own challenges. Each person moves forward in their own way, without judgement, but with the support, encouragement, and smiles of all the others. It has changed a lot of things in his life.”
And that is the whole point of the Défi sportif AlterGo, as Tougas pointed out.
“It brings together kids who face challenges. It allows them to push their limits, to experience new things, and to feel more ‘normal.’ It reminds them that they, too, have the right to take part in this type of event.”
After all, isn’t that what sports are all about—and even more so, adaptive sports?
“One of the fundamental aspects of team sport is the opportunity to work together to overcome challenges and experience success. The Défi sportif AlterGo allows these kids to experience that. They smile, they have fun, they work as a team, and I think that helps make up for some of their more difficult days, for the challenges they have to face.”
A parent’s pride
“Éloic always has a smile on his face. He’s happy with his life, he loves to push himself, and he never gives up. I think the things that best define him are his determination, his courage, and his strength of character.”
For Éloic’s parents, seeing him thrive in para hockey is a true source of pride.
“Seeing how far he’s come since he was little . . . He’s been through a lot, he’s faced challenges. But seeing him now with his teammates, with people who help him achieve his dreams . . . For a parent, that’s a source of immense pride.”
Éloic’s entire family is athletic, so para hockey seemed like the missing piece that finally allowed all of Tougas’ children to fully experience competitive sport.
“My two girls are involved in competitive sports, so when Éloic was also able to develop as an athlete and enjoy his own successes, I feel that I brought a certain balance to the family. Now everyone is happy, and they all feel good.”
Sharing his story
It came as no surprise to Tougas that Éloic was chosen as an athlete ambassador for the Défi sportif AlterGo.
“He’s not a shy kid. He’s thriving, and he wants to use this opportunity to speak out and share his story; to show people that you shouldn’t let the challenges you face stop you. He’s a great example of that, because he’s been living it his whole life. I’m very proud of him, and I think he sees this as an opportunity to express himself and encourage others to challenge their own limits.”
On Sunday, Éloic will compete in the junior para hockey finals at the Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot.
