If you regularly attend the Défi sportif AlterGo, you will certainly have encountered our spokesperson Jean-Marie Lapointe at some point. Lapointe has held the role—which he initially accepted somewhat on a whim even though he had never attended the event—for 25 years.
A quarter-century later, Lapointe remains a dedicated and compelling spokesperson who takes pleasure in lending his voice, energy, and enthusiasm to the Défi sportif AlterGo.
Something to discover
When Lapointe agreed to become a spokesperson for the Défi sportif AlterGo, without even having experienced the event first-hand, it was primarily because he felt a calling to make a difference.
“Every time I did volunteer work, it gave me a real boost. And every time I met people whose realities were different from mine, I felt like I was truly experiencing life. It made me want to soak it all in and draw inspiration from it.”
As an athlete himself, Lapointe also wished to explore the world of parasports.
“I felt certain it would open up a whole new world to me. I felt a strong sense of curiosity, and I had an awareness of and an appreciation for difference. So I got recruited [by the Défi sportif AlterGo], and 25 years later, I’m still here!”
Lapointe views his role as a privilege.
“First of all, I feel it’s a privilege to be a spokesperson for people with disabilities. When you have the opportunity to speak into a microphone, to be recorded on camera, well then, you should use that opportunity to say something that will advance the cause and raise people’s awareness.”
Lapointe takes it even further, however, promoting the Défi sportif AlterGo to his many professional contacts and helping them discover why he loves the event so much.
“I get great joy out of bringing other celebrities in to host the medal ceremonies and meet the young athletes, and I’ve noticed that they all end up coming back, year after year.”
Recognized—and appreciated
When Lapointe arrives at the Défi sportif AlterGo, he always takes the time to greet everyone. He is easily recognized and his presence is always appreciated, as is the energy he brings to the organizing team, the volunteers, the athletes, and the staff.
In the opinion of Maxime Gagnon, president and CEO of AlterGo, the event and its spokesperson are a perfect match.
”To have someone who comes back year after year, who has seen the event grow and who has grown along with it, I think that’s a winning combination, both for us and for him. We hope he’ll be with us for a long time to come!”
Meeker Guerrier, who also serves as spokesperson for the Défi sportif AlterGo, has nothing but praise for Lapointe’s energy.
“Jean-Marie and me—it all started here at the Défi sportif AlterGo, where we first met. Even outside of the Défi sportif AlterGo, his commitment is sincere; it really comes from the heart. He’s not just projecting an image; this is who he really is. There’s no one like Jean-Marie. He’s unique, he’s dynamic. And his enthusiasm and energy are contagious. Those are things I really like about him. We’ve developed a rapport, and we’ve also become friends.”
The founder of the Défi sportif AlterGo, Monique Lefebvre, highlighted the heart Lapointe puts into his role.
“Let’s talk about Jean-Marie, an outstanding spokesperson with a big heart. He takes the time to listen to people with disabilities and let himself be surprised by their stories. He continually strives to be a high-quality spokesperson. For 25 years now, he has put his communication skills to work to highlight the richness that diversity offers to society. Many, many thanks, Jean-Marie.”
It’s clear that for Jean-Marie, it all comes naturally, and his love for the event is palpable.
“The Défi sportif AlterGo definitely generates its own type of magic. A secret ingredient that you can only discover when you’re actually here. It’s as simple as that!”
