25 years of challenges
For 25 years now, the Défi sportif has been a powerful antidote against pity and prejudice. Be it in the stands, on the sidelines or on the field, for five days you will experience a sporting event where you will meet only fighters and winners!
In the beginning, there was a vision: give a chance to all persons living with disabilities, to live fully and with intensity by practicing a sport. And that is how, over the last 25 years, the Défi sportif has welcomed more than 35,000 athletes, experienced or in full ascent, who came to call out to us, to amaze us and jostle us with their matchless determination.
But to change the way people think is never-ending work. One example among many is the obvious difference in treatment and influence of the Olympic medal as compared to the Paralympic medal. The Défi sportif mission is therefore more relevant than ever. The thousands of athletes are the best placed and the most gifted persons to change perceptions and achieve this mission. In a more discreet but vital role, the precious partners, collaborators and volunteers also know to shout loud and clear the importance of promoting sport. Thanks to all who joined the team over the years and who make this great human adventure possible. We are proud to note, 25 years later, that the Défi sportif is an innovative event, which has been able to distinguish itself, to last, and finally dominate.
And since it keeps on growing and there are many battles to fight together, it is here to stay! Long live the Défi sportif!
Total participation in the event
Awards, trophies and tributes
- Soirée des Lauréats montréalais, Finalist, Sport competition, 2007
- Award from the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) in the “Event – Paracycling” category, 2007
- Soirée des Lauréats montréalais, Finalist, Sport competition par excellence, 1999
- Soirée des Lauréats montréalais, Finalist, Sport competition par excellence, 1998
- International event of the year at the du Gala Sports-Québec, 1998.
- 25th Gala Sports-Québec, International event of the year – Wheelchair, 1997
- Gala Sports-Québec, International event par excellence, 1996-1997
- Soirée des Lauréats montréalais, Finalist, Sport competition par excellence, 1995
Défi sportif spokespersons
- Yvon Deschamps, 1984 to 1997
- Yvon Deschamps and Patrick Huard, in 1996 and 1997
- Chantal Petitclerc, from 1998 to today
- Chantal Petitclerc, Jean-Pierre Coallier and Alain Choquette, in 1999 and 2000
- Chantal Petitclerc and Jean-Pierre Coallier, in 2001
- Chantal Petitclerc, Jean-Pierre Coallier and Jean-Marie Lapointe, in 2002
- Chantal Petitclerc, Debra Arbec, Jean-Pierre-Coallier and Jean-Marie Lapointe, from 2003 to 2007
- Chantal Petitclerc and Jean-Marie Lapointe, from 2008 to today
Artists associated to Défi sportif benefit concert
- 2008
- Judi Richards
- Yvon Deschamps
- Toulouse
- Daniel Lavoie
- 2007
- Luck Mervil
- 2006
- Nathalie Choquette
- Pierre Lapointe
- 2005
- Steeve Diamond
- Laurence Jalbert
- Dan Bigras
- 2004
- Lévesque et Turcotte
- Gregory Charles
- 2003
- Sylvain Cossette
- François Morency
- 2002
- André-Philippe Gagnon
- Michel Mpambara
- 2001
- Bruno Pelletier
- Martin Dubé
- 2000
- Isabelle Boulay
- Mario Jean
- 1999
- Lise Dion
- Michel Rivard
- Zachary Richard
- 1998
- Claude Dubois
- Daniel Lavoie
- Luce Dufault
- Robert Charlebois
- Pierre Légaré
- 1997
- Richard Séguin
- Judy Richards
- 1996
- Lynda Lemay
- André-Philippe Gagnon
- 1995
- Beau Dommage
- 1994
- Louise Forestier
- 1993
- Yvon Deschamps
- 1992
- Jean-Pierre Ferland
- 1991
- Michel Rivard
- Guy Langlois, Unigesco
- 1990
- Gilles Vigneault
- 1989
- Robert Charlebois
- 1988
- Claude Dubois
- 1987
- Ginette Reno
- 1986
- Broue
- 1985
- André Gagnon
- Claude Léveillé
- 1984
- No benefit concert
Défi sportif honorary presidents
- 2008
- Richard Cacchione, Hydro-Québec Productions
- 2007
- David Pinsonneault, National Bank
- 2006
- Alain Mayrand, AON Consulting
- 2005
- Chantal Bélanger, Laurentian Bank
- 2004
- Chantal Bélanger, Laurentian Bank
- 2003
- Richard Côté, Partner, Brochu & Labre
- Cora Tsouflidou, Chez Cora Restaurants
- 2002
- Richard Côté, Partner, Brochu et Labre
- Cora Tsouflidou, Chez Cora Restaurants
- 2001
- Gaétan Frigon, Société des alcools du Québec
- 2000
- Pierre Bibeau, Société du Parc des Îles
- 1998
- Pierre Bibeau, Société du Parc des Îles
- 1997
- Pierre Bibeau, Société du Parc des Îles
- 1996
- Gérald Janneteau, Le Réseau des Sports
- 1995
- Gérald Janneteau, Le Réseau des Sports
- 1994
- Gérald Janneteau, Le Réseau des Sports
- 1993
- Guy Langlois, Unigesco
- 1992
- Guy Langlois, Unigesco
- 1990
- Raymond Bachand, Culinar
- 1989
- Raymond Bachand, Culinar
- 1988
- Raymond Bachand, Culinar
- 1987
- André Caillé, Gaz Métropolitain
- 1986
- Hector St-Louis, O’Keefe Brewery
- 1985
- Jean La Couture, Mallette, Benoît, Boulanger, Rondeau et Associés
- 1984
- Bruno Riverain, Caisse Centrale Desjardins du Québec
Portrait of Monique Lefebvre, Défi sportif founder
Monique Lefebvre is a committed citizen who distinguished herself through her work with people living with disabilities. Her leadership, her determination, her great rallying qualities have contributed to change mentalities.
For 27 years now, Monique has lead AlterGo. This community organisation brings together over 85 Montréal groups preoccupied with access to leisure for people living with all types of disabilities, whether physical, intellectual, auditory, visual or psychological. It is in that spirit that Monique Lefebvre launched the Défi sportif des athlètes handicapés 25 years ago, with the aim to promote an active life and a dynamic and positive image of handicapped people.
Today, with a budget exceeding $1.8M, of which only 20% come from the various levels of government, the Défi sportif has won widespread acclaim. The international event it has become is supported by 800 volunteers and numerous partners and brings together over 3,000 athletes with all types of disabilities.
Monique Lefebvre loves to build, establish links, innovate,
convince rather than denounce, join with others rather than divide.
With the political world, city personnel, sponsors, sport
federations or other organisations, Monique has adopted the
following maxim: Alone, I go faster; together, we go further.
Awards won by Monique Lefebvre
To the above, add the numerous honours that have been bestowed upon her over the last few years:
- Thérèse-Daviau Award (2007)
- La Presse Personality of the week (May 2002)
- Cathleen Lyle Murray Award, from the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy
- Robert-Lefebvre Award, from the Association québécoise des sports en fauteuil roulant
- Honoured by the Association des diplômés de l’Université de Montréal to spotlight her professional accomplishments and her contribution to the reputation of Université de Montréal (2005)
- Featured in L’actualité (May 2006)
- Guest speaker on “Growing on rehabilitation” at the Canadian Conference on Rehabilitation (2007)
In spite of all those honours, Monique keeps on, stressing that her true reward remains the great joy expressed by the athletes during the Défi sportif and the people affected by the achievements of AlterGo.