The Fondation Aléo distributed $146,000 in bursaries and support services to 45 student-athletes from the greater Quebec region during a ceremony held at Jean-Lesage International Airport. The mobilization highlights ongoing financial and community backing for developing sports talent across the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches regions.
How the Funding Reached 45 Student-Athletes
The bulk of the funding stems from the “Aux Jeux pour les athlètes” benefit evening held last March. Organized jointly by the Fondation Aléo and the 2027 Canada Games Host Society, and presented by Beneva and Desjardins, the event generated $116,000 dedicated directly to 32 student-athletes. Beyond financial grants, all 45 recipients secure lifelong support services spanning academic, athletic, professional, and personal development throughout and beyond their competitive careers.
Additional backing arrived via specialized funding streams. Planète Mobile provided a sponsorship award, while recruitment bursaries targeted athletes entering collegiate and university athletics within the region.
When Former Bursary Recipients Pay It Forward
The ceremony showed a model of circular philanthropy where past beneficiaries return to support current competitors. Élisabeth Albert, a radiologist and former competitive cyclist and speed skater who held an Aléo bursary between 2012 and 2016, joined five-time Olympic speed skating medalist Valérie Maltais—a bursary recipient from 2006 to 2014—in funding grants through the Donnez au suivant program.
Other former Aléo bursary holders attending the event included Cindy Ouellet, David La Rue, Émile Chênevert, and Frank Pons, dean of Laval University’s Faculty of Business Administration.
Trente-deux étudiants-athlètes ont obtenu une bourse des Canadiens de la Fondation Aléo cette année. Bravo!Communiqué ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/DoTlqll9Sq
Valérie Maltais Steps Into an Ambassador Role
Alongside her contribution as a donor, Valérie Maltais was officially welcomed as a new ambassador for the Fondation Aléo, marked by the unveiling of her banner at the airport venue. Fondation Aléo representatives noted that Maltais represents the organization’s core objective of propelling athletes beyond competitive arenas into long-term personal success.
Foundation Martin Lavigne thanked the business community for investing in youth who will shape future society. Denis Servais, president of the 2027 Canada Games Host Society, emphasized that cross-sector collaboration remains essential to building a lasting athletic legacy in the region. Patricia Demers, executive director of the foundation and a former 1992 and 1994 bursary recipient, pointed to the convergence of corporate partnerships, decade-long investments, and alumni giving as a concrete vote of confidence in the 45 honored youths.
A Ten-Year Investment to Expand Regional Judo
The funding rollout included a major 10-year philanthropic commitment dedicated to the Capitale-Nationale judo pipeline. An annual investment of at least $10,000 has been established to support promising young judokas at critical development stages. The initial round delivered 10 bursaries totaling $16,000, selected in partnership with Judo Québec.
Among the recipients of the day’s primary and specialized awards are athletes spanning winter sports, combat disciplines, and team sports across local high schools, cégeps, and universities.
Worth a look
