A large part of this third day of the 26th Défi sportif played out between the boards. The first sledge hockey games were contested at Aréna Michel-Normandin and the school section concluded with the ball hockey and boccia tournaments.
Adding sledge hockey to the programme delighted quite a few! Usually the fans of that game have to travel nearly eight hours on the road to get to London, Ontario, to take part in their sole annual tournament.
“The addition of a tournament at the Défi sportif means our families, our friends and co-workers can see us in action, which was not possible previously” indicated Steves Léonard, captain of the Repentigny Dragons.
But above all, the sledge hockey players want to pass on their passion for their sport in order to recruit more players and create a basin of athletes in Quebec. “The sport is popular in Ontario, but we have very little exposure here”, explained Yves Carrier who retired from the national team with a silver medal from the Nagano Games and a bronze one from Lillehammer. “We hope to bring more people to join with us” added Léonard’s teammate.
“People can figure out it is an adapted sport. The first time my mother saw me play. She asked: ‘Are you doing it on purpose? Don’t you think you are banged up enough as it is?’ But it is part of the game. I’m having fun as if I were on skates” Léonard mentioned.
Eight games will be contested on Saturday. Spectators will also be entitled to two demonstration games. The first will involve blind athletes whereas the second will see amputees in action. The tournament will conclude Sunday with the presentation of two finals at Aréna Michel-Normandin. The games will also be broadcast on the web. But Steves Leonard has no plans to take advantage of this free window to watch the game. “I aim to be on the rink!”
Mainville in bronze
Spectators are invited to be part of the action Saturday and Sunday and try adapted sports at Zone d’essais Loto-Québec, the trial zone at Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard between 10 AM and 7 PM.
In action at the Montréal World Cup, wheelchair fencer Pierre Mainville took the bronze medal, tying his best result in sabre. The Quebecer had previously collected four third places on the World Cup circuit. Frenchman Marc-André Cratère won this first leg of the season, defeating Emmanouil Bogdos from Greece.
School section
Friday was the end of the school section. At the end of three days of competition, over 1,400 pupils from some 50 schools will have participated in the Défi sportif this year.
La Cité secondary school left Québec Friday morning to take part in the ball hockey tournament. With a record of one win, two losses and one tie, the hockey players banked on their team spirit. “We cheer each other on and never let go of one another”, team captain Maxime Robitaille says. He was elected captain for his leadership.
The team goal keeper, Kevin Thibodeau, was very much looking forward to boarding the bus for Montréal and being in the Défi sportif. “He apparently slept with his mask on”, indicated his physical education teacher, Louise Bertrand.
A celebration atmosphere floated over the team, a gift for their teacher. “We do it for them. With the fun that the students are having today, we easily forget waking up at 4 this morning.”
In boccia, at Aréna Maurice-Richard, Joseph-Charbonneau school took the highest honours thanks to the performance of Simon Phaneuf and Joannie Trudeau.
To watch for on Saturday
You’ll want to get to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve early Saturday morning to see the paracycling time trials. The 10-km wheelchair race featuring paralympic medal holder Diane Roy will be presented next, for the first time on that competition site.
Bronze medal winner in sabre on Friday, wheelchair fencer Pierre Mainville will see action in épée.
The Nor-Am Classic for people living with an intellectual deficiency will also be on the programme. The athletes will attempt to outdo themselves in rhythmic gymnastics and in athletics.
The Défi sportif will be in playoff mode on day four as the wheelchair basketball and rugby semi-finals will be played on Saturday night.
Written by Sportcom