And we’re off! The 43rd Défi sportif AlterGo is underway! The ever-popular mini-marathon marked the start of the event today, returning to Jarry Park after a one-year hiatus due to construction.
A race for everyone, under the shining sun
This year, the mini-marathon featured 1,200 athletes from the school component, who took part in 500-metre, 1-kilometre, and 3-kilometre races under glorious sunny skies. These athletes comprised nearly a quarter of the registered participants in the Défi sportif AlterGo’s school component, making for a joyful gathering and giving rise to numerous moments of pride.
“We see parents who are truly proud of their children. Some of them are even surprised to discover what their children can accomplish. We also see young people who are extremely proud of themselves for pushing their limits and achieving their goals. That pride is reflected in their faces, in their smiles—it’s truly a wonderful day for the athletes, the teachers, the parents, and the team,” said François Girouard, Adaptive Sports Development Manager at AlterGo, who helped organize the event for the 13th time this year.
Girouard explained that the Défi sportif AlterGo’s mini-marathon stands out for its inclusive categories, which were created specifically to allow all the athletes in the school component to participate, regardless of disability.
“It’s a serious competition, with medals and everything,” he said. “There are different groups of racers, and the first 3 finishers in each category receive medals.”
Proud moments
Following the opening ceremonies, which were hosted by our spokesperson Meeker Guerrier, the young athletes took to the track, cheered on by their fellow students, volunteers, and school staff.
At the finish line, the pride and elation of the participants was palpable.
“It’s amazing to see them all race together, to watch them compete and have a great time doing it. Seeing everyone come together like this is really impressive,” said Patrick Archibald, father of Kim Archibald, a young athlete who took part in the 1km tricycle race.
Archibald was also filled with pride as he watched his daughter recite the Athlete’s Oath during the opening ceremonies.
“Seeing her take the oath was really something. It warmed my heart! We practised it this morning, but she wasn’t speaking very loudly, so I told her, ‘Use your angry voice!’ Once she was on the stage, though, she nailed it. I was impressed!”
An eventful opening weekend!
The mini-marathon launched the Défi sportif AlterGo in true style, and the action will continue through another 10 days of competition in 15 sports.
Friday, April 24 will feature the school component’s boccia competition and mark the kickoff of three national-level events:
- The first-ever Women’s Wheelchair Rugby National Championship at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex
- The junior para hockey tournament at the Centre des glaces Gilles-Chabot in Boucherville
- The national boccia competition at the Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal
