Quebec’s Notre-Dame College Sends Three Badminton Stars to 2026 Jeux du Québec

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

BLAINVILLE, Quebec — When the 60th edition of the Jeux du Québec opens here on April 30, 2026, three of the six athletes representing the Est-du-Québec region in badminton will carry the colors of Collège Notre-Dame, a school that has quietly become a powerhouse in youth shuttlecock competition.

The Contingent

Thomas Hamel, Alexis Pelletier, and Juliane Gilbert—all students at the Rivière-du-Loup-based institution—will be joined by their coach, Luc St-Pierre, as they aim to improve on the region’s eighth-place finish at the 2024 edition in Sherbrooke. The trio earned their spots through a rigorous selection process that included a regional championship held at the college on March 28–29, 2026, where they outperformed peers from across eastern Quebec.

“I’m really excited,” said Pelletier, a first-time Jeux du Québec participant. “I sense a little stress because I want to perform well, but I know it’s going to be a great experience—really fun.” His teammate Hamel, a returning competitor, echoed the sentiment: “This is my second Games, so I want to enjoy it even more than the first time.” Gilbert, the third member of the group, added, “I worked hard to get here, and I’m really proud of myself.”

Notre-Dame’s Badminton Program: A Pipeline of Talent

Collège Notre-Dame’s badminton program has developed a reputation for producing elite young athletes. The school’s competitive team, open to students in grades 7 through 11, trains three times a week—on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Fridays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.—from late September through late April. The program’s cost is $650 for new participants, which includes regional competitions, a team jacket, and a sports photo session. Athletes who train with external clubs pay a reduced fee of $200, covering one weekly session and the same benefits.

Selection for the team begins with a mandatory three-week camp in early September, where students are evaluated on technical skills, agility, and strategic awareness. The program’s success is evident in its consistent representation at the Jeux du Québec. In 2024, the Est-du-Québec region finished eighth but this year’s contingent is aiming for a top-five finish in Blainville.

What to Watch in Blainville

The 2026 Jeux du Québec will feature badminton competitions across multiple age and skill categories, with medals awarded in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Even as the exact schedule has not been released, the tournament is expected to run from May 1 to May 3, 2026, at the Blainville Sports Complex, a venue known for its high-quality courts and spectator-friendly layout.

For Notre-Dame’s athletes, the focus will be on executing their game plans under pressure. Hamel, a returning competitor, will look to build on his experience, while Pelletier and Gilbert will aim to make their mark in their first appearance. Coach St-Pierre’s leadership will be critical, particularly in high-stakes matches where tactical adjustments can make the difference between victory and defeat.

The Stakes for Eastern Quebec

The Est-du-Québec region has historically been a middle-tier performer at the Jeux du Québec in badminton, but this year’s team is determined to climb the rankings. A top-five finish would mark a significant achievement and could signal the region’s emergence as a contender in youth badminton. For the athletes, the event is also a chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts and coaches from higher-level programs, including those affiliated with Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec, of which Collège Notre-Dame is a member.

Key Takeaways

• Three of six Est-du-Québec badminton representatives at the 2026 Jeux du Québec hail from Collège Notre-Dame: Thomas Hamel, Alexis Pelletier, and Juliane Gilbert.
• The school’s badminton program runs from September to April, with training sessions three times a week and a cost of $650 for new participants.
• The Est-du-Québec region finished eighth in 2024 but is targeting a top-five finish this year.
• Competitions will take place at the Blainville Sports Complex from May 1–3, 2026.
• Notre-Dame’s athletes will compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.

What’s Next

The 2026 Jeux du Québec badminton tournament kicks off on May 1, 2026, with the opening ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. Local time (UTC-4). Fans can follow the action through live updates on the official Jeux du Québec website or via the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec social media channels. For Collège Notre-Dame’s athletes, the next step is final preparations, including a team meeting on April 29 to review strategies and goals.

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