The 42nd Défi Sportif AlterGo, which came to a close on Sunday, May 4, was once again a big success. Canada’s largest multi-sport event brought together close to 6,000 athletes with disabilites of all types for 10 action-packed days of competition in 10 different sports.
3 ambassador athletes capture medals on final weekend
The final day of the 42nd Défi Sportif AlterGo saw medals awarded to 3 of our ambassador athletes.
Early in the day, two junior parahockey teams from Montréal faced off in the tournament’s gold medal game. Team Montréal 2, featuring our ambassador athlete Félix Gemme, ultimately came out on top.
In the afternoon, Canada’s two power soccer teams battled it out for gold. Ambassador athlete Caroline Séguin scored one of the 2 goals that led her team to a 2-1 victory following a 2nd overtime period.
The day ended with a silver medal for our ambassador athlete Jonathan Vermette, who competed in the AA division wheelchair basketball tournament with team CIVA.
They thus joined our two others ambassador athletes Thomas Raymond, who won the International Deaf Hockey Series trophy with team Canada, and Océane Richard, who captured a silver medal in high school volleyball earlier in the week.
Great comebacks and even greater ambitions
The 42nd Défi Sportif was marked by the return of volleyball and basketball to the school competitions. At the national level, the Défi Sportif AlterGo hosted the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships for the first time since 2019. The international program featured the International Blind Ice Hockey Series, held for the first time in Quebec.
Nathalie Lavergne, the director of the Défi Sportif AlterGo, already has ambitious plans to host even more competitions in the future. “We hope to bring back the World Boccia Cup, as well as host new competitions in even more sports, such as goalball, sitting volleyball, para-climbing, and indoor para-rowing, at both the school and elite levels.”
In the meantime, the momentum of the Défi Sportif AlterGo will continue to gather steam, as the fourth edition of the À Vos Marques! Tour alights in 7 regions of Quebec in May and June.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Needless to say, it would not be possible to hold this event without the hard work and support of our employees, our volunteers, our loyal partners, and the athletes who place their trust in us year after year.
“Despite a few hiccups, nothing could have stopped us from making this event a success. The smiles of the athletes—both the school-level athletes and those in high-performance sport—warmed our hearts and gave us the energy we needed to end the 42nd edition on a high note. Hats off to the team, and thank you to the athletes and visitors,” said Lavergne.
“The 42nd Défi Sportif AlterGo—my 31st Défi and 7th as CEO—has already come to an end. It will remain just as memorable as all the others. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible. We could not have done it without you. We are very fortunate to be able to count on our loyal partners and outstanding volunteers. See you next year!” concluded Maxime Gagnon, chief executive officer of AlterGo.
The 43rd Défi sportif AlterGo will take place from April 24th to May 3rd 2026.
