Edmundston, New Brunswick – A 14-year-old from Edmundston is making a significant impact on his community by tackling a common barrier to youth sports participation: access to equipment. Looka Levesque, a student at Cité des jeunes A.-M. Sormany, has spearheaded an initiative to create a sports equipment lending library, aiming to build physical activity more accessible to all residents.
Levesque’s idea stemmed from observations within his own community. “I’m an athlete, so I pay attention to who is being active,” he explained, according to information shared from a local report. “I noticed fewer and fewer people participating. I reckon there are people, like newcomers, who don’t always have the means to attempt different sports. I found that frustrating, so I wanted to make it accessible to everyone.”
The project began taking shape in October as part of Levesque’s “Enjeux actuels” (Current Issues) course at Cité des jeunes A.-M. Sormany. He secured initial funding through the “Place aux compétences” program and partnered with Patrick Morin, a student in physical education at the Université de Moncton, Edmundston campus, to help bring his vision to life.
A crucial partnership with Sports Experts, a local sporting goods retailer, provided a substantial boost. The store generously donated a wide range of equipment, including skates, hockey sticks, snowshoes, badminton, tennis, and pickleball rackets, baseball gloves and bats, volleyballs, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, an ultimate frisbee, and even a scooter. This diverse inventory ensures a variety of sports are covered, catering to a broad range of interests.
Recognizing the logistical needs of such an initiative, Levesque identified the Mgr W.-J.-Conway Public Library of Edmundston as the ideal location for the lending library. The library already has a well-established system for managing loans – books, games, and other materials – making it a natural fit for the equipment. Individuals with a library card will be able to borrow the equipment free of charge.
Levesque will remain actively involved in the project through the end of March, after which the library will assume full responsibility for managing the equipment lending program. This handover ensures the sustainability of the initiative, allowing it to continue benefiting the community for the foreseeable future.
This initial success has sparked further ambition in Levesque. “I still have time before I finish high school, so it’s possible to do other things,” he said, hinting at future projects aimed at improving community well-being. His proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement and a desire to create positive change.
To further promote participation, two introductory events are planned. A badminton and pickleball discovery session will be held at the Pavillon sportif from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while a snowshoeing session will take place at the Centre plein air Mont Farlagne starting at 2:00 PM. Details regarding these events will be posted on the Facebook pages of the Pavillon sportif d’Edmundston and Républik Nature/Mont Farlagne.
The Cité des jeunes A.-M. Sormany, a secondary school serving approximately 1,000 students from the greater Edmundston region, plays a vital role in fostering community involvement. The school’s mission, centered on mutual respect, aims to support students in developing their intellectual, moral, and social skills, preparing them to grow responsible and productive members of society. This project exemplifies that mission in action.
For residents of Edmundston and surrounding areas, this equipment lending library represents a valuable resource. It removes a significant financial barrier to entry for many, allowing individuals and families to explore new sports and embrace a more active lifestyle. The initiative also underscores the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing community needs and fostering a sense of inclusivity.
The success of this project hinges on continued community support. The library’s ongoing management of the equipment, coupled with the enthusiasm of volunteers and the generosity of local businesses like Sports Experts, will be crucial in ensuring its long-term viability.
Looka Levesque’s initiative serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference. By identifying a need and proactively working to address it, he has created a lasting legacy of accessibility and opportunity for the residents of Edmundston.
What’s Next: Keep an eye on the Facebook pages of the Pavillon sportif d’Edmundston and Républik Nature/Mont Farlagne for details on the upcoming badminton/pickleball and snowshoeing events. The equipment lending library is now open to anyone with a Mgr W.-J.-Conway Public Library card.
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