Alexandre Despatie is one of the big sports names in Laval these past decades. The retired professional diver will be the spokesperson of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec, played in Laval from July 22-30.
Despatie’s career took off, in part, at the Jeux du Québec de Baie-Comeau, in 1993. Eight years old at the time, the two-time Olympic Games medalist had won gold in the diving event.
“It can be the start of something big for many young talents,” Despatie said. “It’s also about all the jokes we were making on the bus while going to our competitions. It marked me, and I’ll never forget that.”
Despatie said he never hesitated when we asked him if he wanted to be the spokesperson of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec, saying “yes” right away when the question was brought to him on the phone.
“It’s special for me to be able to be part, in a way, of the event, at home,” the former diver explained. “I want people to get in, since I know the impact it can have on the young athletes, the parents and the volunteers. I’ll want to give back to this event for the rest of my life.”
Take advantage of the site
Despatie reminds us the importance of enjoying every moment of the Jeux du Québec. Some of his personal favourite memories being between competitions, he advises athletes to take advantage of the facilities, the athletes’ village and other places prepared for the event.
“For me, it will be about the message I’ll share with them,” Despatie said. I want to enjoy those moments to meet them. I intend to go see what’s happening during competitions, and experience the energy that circulates around them.”
Many sports will obviously be played during the eight days of competition. Despatie says he’s excited to be able to see a bit of everything.
“I’m looking forward to see all the sports, even those I’m not really used to see,” he said. “I want to discover everything. We’ll build a schedule based on the competitions.”
