Last Friday, the Complexe Vivacité was alive with party as it marked a meaningful milestone—its 10th anniversary. This state-of-the-art facility, home to the Imagym gymnastics school and the haut-Richelieu judo club, has become a cornerstone for sports and community development since its inauguration in 2014.
Both organizations, which once operated in limited spaces, now boast facilities that are admired across the region. The move to the complex has allowed them to expand their offerings significantly. Imagym now welcomes 2,600 participants annually, while the judo Club serves 900 members, a testament to their growth and impact.
The upgraded space has enabled Imagym to host major events, including a recent elite youth training camp. Similarly, the Judo Club has gained the capacity to organize national tournaments and international training sessions, while also introducing new judo disciplines. Both institutions proudly offer sports-study programs, nurturing the next generation of athletes.
A Journey Through Time
Denis Fortin of Imagym and Gérald Poirier of the Judo Club took a moment to reflect on their organizations’ histories.Imagym, established as a non-profit in 1986, initially held classes at Marguerite-Bourgeoys school, setting up and dismantling equipment every weekend. By 1993, it had moved to the former Singer factory on Saint-Louis Street, later transitioning to the Royal Military College facilities.
In the early 2000s, Imagym relocated to the former Croteau store building at Richelieu and Saint-Georges streets, where it remained until the site’s demolition. Meanwhile, the Judo Club, founded as a non-profit in 1985, began by offering evening classes for children aged 6 to 12 at Pierre-Benoit Park. By 1993, it expanded to daily training sessions.
In 2004, the City’s recreation Department proposed a partnership between the two organizations, recognizing their shared vision and complementary goals. This collaboration laid the groundwork for their eventual cohabitation at Complexe Vivacité.
Bringing the Vision to Life
After years of planning and negotiations, the project gained momentum. Multiple scenarios were evaluated,and a funding application was submitted to the Quebec government. In 2012, the City approved the construction of a sports complex at the intersection of Avenue du Parc and Rue des Colibris in the Saint-Luc sector.
with a $7.2 million budget, including a $2.7 million grant from the ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport, construction began in April 2014 and concluded seven months later. The gymnastics school manages the facility, supported by an annual subsidy from the City.
Spanning two floors and 32,000 square feet, Complexe Vivacité features gymnastics facilities on the ground floor, complemented by locker rooms, storage areas, and administrative offices. the Judo Club occupies the first floor, with a glass corridor offering visitors a view of the action.
Voices of Gratitude
Two athletes shared their heartfelt appreciation for the complex. Mathieu Lafter, a 16-year veteran of Imagym, described it as his second family, crediting the school for his personal and athletic growth. Cassandra Perreault,a former sports-study programme participant,spoke of judo as more than a sport—it shaped her into a confident and resilient individual.
Former MP Dave Turcotte, who played a key role in securing government funding, and Mayor Andrée Bouchard also praised the facility, highlighting the dedication of both organizations and their contributions to the community.
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: Complexe Vivacité’s Impact on Sports and Community growth
Last Friday, the Complexe Vivacité was the epicenter of party as it marked a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary. Since its inauguration in 2014, this state-of-the-art facility has become a cornerstone for sports and community development, housing two of the region’s most prominent organizations: the Imagym gymnastics school and the Haut-Richelieu Judo Club.
The journey of these two organizations is a testament to the transformative power of investment in sports infrastructure. Before moving to the Complexe Vivacité, both Imagym and the Haut-Richelieu Judo Club operated in limited spaces, which constrained their ability to grow and serve their communities effectively. Though, the move to this modern complex has been nothing short of revolutionary, allowing them to expand their offerings and reach new heights.
Today, Imagym proudly welcomes 2,600 participants annually, a remarkable figure that underscores its growth and impact on the community. The upgraded facilities have not only enhanced the training experience for gymnasts but have also enabled Imagym to host major events, such as a recent elite youth training camp. This has positioned the school as a hub for talent development and a key player in the gymnastics community.
Similarly, the Haut-Richelieu Judo Club has flourished since relocating to the Complexe Vivacité. With 900 members, the club has seen exponential growth, and the enhanced facilities have empowered it to organize national tournaments and other high-profile events. This has not only raised the club’s profile but has also contributed to the development of judo in the region, fostering a new generation of athletes.
The success of Imagym and the Haut-Richelieu Judo Club is a reflection of the broader impact of the Complexe Vivacité on the community. Over the past decade, the complex has become more than just a sports facility; it has evolved into a vibrant community center that promotes physical activity, talent development, and social cohesion. The anniversary celebration was a fitting tribute to the vision and dedication of all those involved in making the Complexe Vivacité a reality.
as we look to the future, the Complexe Vivacité stands as a shining example of how investment in sports infrastructure can drive community development and inspire the next generation of athletes. The achievements of Imagym and the Haut-Richelieu Judo Club are a testament to the potential of such initiatives to transform lives and create lasting legacies. Here’s to the next decade of growth, excellence, and community impact at the Complexe Vivacité!
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