Blainville, Quebec – As the 60th Finale of the Jeux du Québec approaches, set to begin February 27th, the Côte-Nord region is sending a delegation of 109 athletes to compete. The multi-sport event, which runs through March 7th, will see young athletes from across Quebec vying for medals in a variety of disciplines.
The Côte-Nord contingent will participate in the first block of competitions, scheduled from February 28th to March 3rd, in badminton, gymnastics, women’s hockey, judo, artistic skating, speed skating, cross-country skiing, and trampoline. The second block, running from March 4th to 8th, will feature athletes from the region in men’s curling, men’s hockey, ringette, and table tennis.
This year’s team represents a slight decrease in the number of sports represented compared to the 2024 Winter Games in Sherbrooke, where the Côte-Nord participated in two additional sports – karate and women’s curling. However, the delegation size remains strong, with only nine fewer athletes than in Sherbrooke.
Familiar Faces Return
A significant portion of the Côte-Nord team boasts prior experience at the Jeux du Québec, with nearly a quarter of the athletes having competed at the 2022 Games in Estrie. This returning core provides valuable leadership and experience as the team heads to Blainville.
Returning athletes include Laurence Dubé, Laurianne Rodgers, Manny Bernatchez, Cadel Talbot, and Maïck Cormier in judo. In ringette, Maryon Belley, Élodie Boudreau, Marylee Eldridge, Laura-Lee Marcoux, Léa Sergerie, and Évlyne Deschênes will be competing, with Deschênes previously participating in hockey at the Rimouski Games. Klara Simard and Raphaëlle Carrière return in artistic skating.
The gymnastics team will see the return of Anaelle Bernard, Noémie Lavoie, and Philomène Talbot. Alexia Lessard, who competed in gymnastics at the Rimouski Games, will now compete in trampoline. Jeremy Elias, Charles Noël, and Yohann Michaud will represent the region in curling, while Jean-Mathieu Truchon, Loïck Marin, and Éliana Bellavance are set to compete in speed skating. Raphaël Vachon and Héloïse Vachon will participate in cross-country skiing.
Emphasis on Values and Passion
Sarah Richard Tremblay, the chef de mission for the Côte-Nord delegation, expressed her excitement for the upcoming Games. “With a passionate team, almost complete teams, and an inspiring flag bearer – judoka Laurianne Rodgers – the Côte-Nord is ready for the 60th Finale of the Jeux du Québec in Blainville,” she said. Rodgers was recently named as the flag bearer for the opening ceremony, a testament to her dedication and skill. (Source)
Tremblay highlighted the hard work of the Blainville organizing committee in preparing to welcome athletes, coaches, and support staff from all 19 Quebec delegations. “They are a passionate group,” she noted.
While not setting specific medal targets, Tremblay emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and ethical conduct for the Côte-Nord delegation. The team aims to win the banner for ethical sporting behavior, an honor that eluded them at the 2022 Summer Games in Trois-Rivières. “We have always promoted ethical sportsmanship. These are beautiful values to demonstrate,” she stated.
The Jeux du Québec are a significant event for young athletes in Quebec, providing a platform to showcase their talents and compete at a high level. The games foster a sense of regional pride and promote the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.
For those interested in following the Côte-Nord’s performance, updates and information can be found on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JdQ.CTN. Complete results from the 60th Finale of the Jeux du Québec can be found at: resultats.jeuxduquebec.com/
The 60th Finale of the Jeux du Québec in Blainville promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the talent and dedication of Quebec’s young athletes. The Côte-Nord delegation is poised to make a strong showing, representing their region with pride and sportsmanship.
Next Up: The opening ceremony of the 60th Jeux du Québec is scheduled for February 27th in Blainville. Stay tuned for updates on the Côte-Nord athletes’ performances throughout the Games.
What are your predictions for the Côte-Nord delegation at the Jeux du Québec? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
