The Jeux du Québec are more than just a sporting event; they’re a crucible for young athletes, a celebration of regional pride, and, as one Lanaudière family discovered, a powerful bonding experience. This year’s games, culminating in the 60th Finale, showcased a particularly heartwarming story – a father’s dedication to building a badminton program and a son’s experience thriving within it.
Planning for Success
Four years ago, Martin began coaching his son Émilien’s badminton team, quickly realizing the commitment required. Practices became a regular fixture, alongside weekend tournaments. But simply wanting to participate in the prestigious Finale of the Jeux du Québec wasn’t enough for the Lanaudière delegation. A significant amount of groundwork was needed.
“To be able to send a delegation to the Jeux du Québec, you have to have held regional championships two years prior,” Martin explained. “We put that in place gradually. I spoke with Denis Fournier, the head of the Lanaudière Regional Badminton Association in Joliette, to organize Lanaudière championships. You don’t just wake up one morning and decide you’re going to have a team. You also want to send a competitive team, with players who have some competitive experience.”
A Life-Changing Experience
For Émilien, the opportunity to compete alongside friends made the experience even more special. The Jeux du Québec fostered a unique camaraderie that extended beyond the badminton courts.
“You create stronger bonds and memories with your friends,” Émilien said. “You see each other in the morning, during the day, even in the evening, when you’re practically sleeping in the classrooms with them. We spent a lot of time together.”
The Jeux du Québec offer more than just competition and results. Émilien was particularly impressed by the facilities and activities available to the athletes. The event’s organization and attention to detail left a lasting impression.
“The courts were really beautiful,” he noted. “The boxing ring was really impressive, among other things. Also, the transportation system and the other places we could proceed, like the athletes’ village, were great.”
Mission Accomplished
Émilien thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremony, and his father felt the same way. Geneviève Leduc, Émilien’s mother, witnessed the joy in her husband’s eyes during the ceremony. It was the culmination of years of effort.
“I could see it in his eyes,” Geneviève recounted. “You should have seen his smile! The goal he had for four years, for the team to be able to get there, was achieved. He put a lot of time and energy into it, on top of his full-time job.”
The Jeux du Québec, as evidenced by the Lanaudière badminton story, are a significant event for young athletes across the province. The games aren’t simply about winning medals; they’re about fostering a love of sport, building lasting friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The dedication of parents like Martin, who invest countless hours in supporting their children’s athletic pursuits, is a cornerstone of the event’s success.
Lanaudière’s participation in the 59th Finale, held in Trois-Rivières from July 25 to August 2, 2025, demonstrated the region’s commitment to the Jeux du Québec. The 60th Finale in 2026 promises to build on that momentum, offering another platform for young athletes to shine.
As the Lanaudière delegation looks ahead, the story of Émilien and Martin serves as an inspiration. It’s a reminder that the true value of the Jeux du Québec lies not just in athletic achievement, but in the personal growth, the community spirit, and the unforgettable experiences that shape these young athletes’ lives.
The next major event for the Jeux du Québec is the 60th Finale in 2026. Stay tuned to Loisir et Sport Lanaudière for updates and information on how to get involved.
