It was the first time that event took place in Laval.

Three matches per day were scheduled between the teams of Stephen F. Austin, Quinnipiac, Montana State, UNCG, MTSU, and Hofstra.

“We know Montreal and Laval are basketball fans,” said Emilio Zaga Mendez, brand manager at Evenko. “We hope it becomes a recurring event every year.”

MTSU Stands Out

All six teams played three matches during the weekend.

MTSU was the only perfect team, winning its three matches. It first defeated Hofstra by a score of 64-54, then registered a convincing 75-63 victory over Stephen F. Austin the next day. The team concluded its weekend by winning a close 72-71 battle against Montana State.

Quinnipac and Hofstra finished the weekend with two wins and one loss. Hofstra also signed a 72-70 win in the game between the two teams, despite a late comeback from Quinnipac. It was also the last game of the event.

The other three universities competing, UNCG (1-2), Stephen F. Austin (1-2) and Montana State (0-3), all when back home with negative records.

Those were sanctioned games by the NCAA. They will thus influence the qualification of each of those teams for the post-season tournament.

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This friendly competition between businesses and institutions from all Quebec regions is a way to raise public awareness about the use of sustainable means of transport.

Moreover, since this year, the challenge offers its services through a free app, that can be downloaded on any smartphone.

The latter will make it possible to count the total kilometers travelled, as well as the kilograms of greenhouse gases.

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The first part of the competition, which will feature Canada’s best under-12s, will take place from August 20-26. Athletes 14 and under will follow a few days later, playing from August 28 to September 3.

These athletes have received their access for the competition through their provincial ranking and qualifying events.

For the first two editions presented in Laval, this event was selected as the Canadian tournament of the year. According to Laurent Denis, general manager of Carrefour Multisports, the reduction of constraints related to the pandemic should allow them to win this distinction again in 2022.

“It’s way easier this year in terms of preparing the event,” Denis said. “We weren’t worried, and the mask requirements have dropped, so it’s really easier for us. The same can also be said for transport.”

Professional Atmosphere

Three members of the Club Tomahawk will play the tournament. This is a first for the organizers, who intend to offer them the privilege of playing on the main field of the centre multisports. The same goes for all participating Laval residents.

“We really want all participants to live a unique experience,” Denis said. “They have privileged access, are staying in hotels, and will feel like professionals throughout the week.”

The red clay surface at Carrefour Multisports, similar to that of Roland-Garros, also enhances the experience of the young players.

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Some important people of the Jeux du Québec were there to share their thoughts of the event so far. Among them was Marc DeBlois, executive director of the Organizing Committee of the event.

“Athletes will remember that first block for a while,” DeBlois said. “It was in fact our priority. We’re having a solid team.”

Christopher Skeete, MP for Sainte-Rose for the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), was also at the press conference. He talked about the sport’s importance in the development of a young person. He also wanted to thank all the volunteers of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Laval 2022.

“It’s something to be able to see those athletes having fun, but also to see them becoming better citizens through sport,” Skeete said. “I also have a special mention for volunteers. They’re smiling, they’re dedicated. There is a volunteer who stayed up for seven hours on the opening ceremony day. It’s the kind of community effort that brings life to a city. That’s my greatest pride.”

Executive director of Sports Quebec, Isabelle Ducharme, said she was impressed by the quality of competition sites.

Second block

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The evening was hosted by Émilie Duquette and Alexandre Despatie, both of whom played the Jeux du Québec at a younger age. They were impressed by the energy of all the young athletes present for the ceremony.

THE SHOW

Laval has reserved a light show for the athletes and parents at Place Bell, offering impressive laser effects and rhythmic music. Former Laval athletes were also at the opening ceremony to celebrate the start of the competition.

Gymnast William Emard had the honor of lighting the flame of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec. Emard participated at the Jeux du Québec, and now competes at the international level, with the goal of participating in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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It took place at the Horizon Jeunesse high school, in Auteuil.

For the occasion, the 161 athletes, 41 coaches and companions, as well as the seven missionaries of Laval’s region met with Mayor of Laval Stéphane Boyer, and President of Sports Laval Geneviève Cossette.

“I just want to congratulate you on getting to where you are today,” Boyer said during the region’s meeting. I’m sure you are as excited as we are to be at the Jeux du Québec. […] We’re counting on you to make us shine. We want to show the other regions that we’re the best.”

“You can really be proud of that journey you’ve accomplished,” Cossette added. “As a mother of two girls practicing sports at the pre-national level, I know how much time you’re putting into training. […] For some athletes, it’s just the start of an amazing career. For others, it’s an unforgettable experience during which you’ll meet new people, create new links. Live it to the fullest.”

Cossette also took a moment to recognize the work of the parents, who get involved in helping their children participate in various sports competitions.

Ambassador

Gymnast Félix Dolci could not be at the region’s meeting. However, he still shared a message to the young athletes in a pre-recorded video.

“I’d like to congratulate you all for having surpassed yourselves throughout the year in order to be here today, and play the Jeux du Québec,” Dolci said.

Let’s remember that Dolci is the most decorated athlete in the history of the Jeux du Québec, but also Canada Winter Games. He participated twice in each of these competitions, winning a total of 18 medals.

Preparation and COVID-19

The rest of the evening was to prepare Laval’s athletes for the provincial competition, which will begin on Friday, July 22.

They’ve been informed on how to proceed when arriving on the site, and how their schedule works when it comes to mealtimes and bedtime.

Athletes will have to be tested five days before the start of their competition block, as well as the day before the competition.

They’ll also have to do a daily rapid test. If an athlete eventually tests positive for COVID-19, he will then be placed in isolation, before leaving the site facilities with a family member.

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