The Côte-Nord region celebrated a historic night of athletic achievement Saturday, as a record 121 scholarships were awarded to athletes from 30 different sports at the Gala Méritas de Loisir et Sport Côte-Nord in Baie-Comeau.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Fondation Loisir Côte-Nord, which surpassed $1 million in total scholarships distributed since its inception, macotenord.com reported.
The gala brought together athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, and partners from the regional sports community for an evening of recognition and regional pride. This annual event is designed to highlight the talent, perseverance, and commitment of individuals who elevate sports in the Côte-Nord area.
The 121 scholarships awarded this year shattered the previous record of 98, set in 2024. According to Alain Lapierre, president of the Fondation Loisir Côte-Nord, this moment was a highlight of the ceremony.
“These scholarships are made possible by the regional county municipalities (MRC) of Côte-Nord, as well as donors and partners of the Foundation’s events, such as the ‘Fromages et vins’ in Sept-Îles and the ‘Bières et saucisses’ in Baie-Comeau,” macotenord.com noted. “Every ticket purchased and every donation directly translates into support for the region’s athletes.”
Two exceptional athletes took center stage as the Athletes of the Year for Loisir et Sport Côte-Nord: Elizabeth Lavoie in snowboarding and Vincent Roberge-Poitras in judo. Lavoie, a senior national vice-champion, qualified for the Junior World Championships this year. Roberge-Poitras, a junior Pan American champion, is ranked third in the world in the junior division (-66 kg).
Their presence at the gala was particularly valued, as their demanding competition schedules often keep them away from the region.
The gala featured a wide array of categories to honor contributions across the sports community. Key award winners included:
- Team of the Year: M13 AAA (hockey)
- Coach of the Year: Caroline Gauthier (soccer)
- Official of the Year: Mélanie Lévesque (swimming)
- Administrator of the Year: Guillaume Maloney (soccer)
- Alice Cloutier Prize: Laurence Nolet (badminton)
- Athlete of the Year (Person with a Disability): Logan Dupont (judo)
In the emerging talent category, the four Athlètes espoir (hopeful athletes) were Laurianne Rodgers (judo), Mya Therrien (hockey), Machiel Talbot (judo), and Landen Hervieux Picard (volleyball).
The evening also honored two individuals for their long-term contributions to regional sport: René Dubé (hockey) and Josée Lamontagne (pétanque).
Le gala lui-même est prévu le 4 novembre 2027 à 18 h.
On the same evening, Thursday, November 5, 2026, the City of Mirabel also held its own Gala Méritas at the Centre culturel Val-d’Espoir. The scholarships are entirely funded by the money raised from the City’s annual golf tournament.
The application period for the 2027 edition will run from July 5 to September 3, 2027, at 12:00 p.m. The gala is scheduled for November 4, 2027, at 6:00 p.m.
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