Olympic fever hits region early

As many as 150 school kids got a taste of Olympic fever a day early last week when the Quebec Federation of Home and Schools hosted an event in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

Olympian and mogul skier Stéphanie St-Pierre was the guest of honour at the

Youth Reach for the Torch event, that was held Thursday at the Château Vaudreuil.

The day, which featured sports related projects, information booths and presentations, was viewed by another 100 school kids via interactive videoconferencing links.

Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP Meili Faille was on hand for the opening ceremonies, while Canadian freestyle Olympic skiing team members Alexandre Bilodeau, Chloé Dufour-Lapointe, Maxime Gingras and Pierre-Alexandre Rousseau delivered a pre-recorded message to kids.

For her part, St-Pierre spoke about the determination and courage elite athletes must have to realize their dreams.

She also gave the kids a glimpse as to the steps and sacrifices she had made along the way.

The Olympian and two-time World Cup Gold Medal winner spoke in realistic terms when she reminded her audience that it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan when training for elite sports.

Aspiring future Olympians including St. Lazare resident Caelyn O’Brien, a 12-year-old figure skater who is part of the Sport-études program at John Rennie High School in Pointe-Claire, Xavier Grenier-Talavera, a 14-year-old triathlete who practices swimming, running and cycling, and Sarah Benkirane, a 13-year-old curler who spends at least 20 hours a week practicing, said they were inspired by the day.

Laïlah Cowan, QFHSA Director of Special Projects,

Meili Faille, Vaudreuil-Soulanges MP, Xavier Grenier-Talavera, Stéphanie St-Pierre, Caelyn O’Brien, Sarah Benkirane, Roch Gamache, QFHSA Executive Director. (Photothèque)