Montreal, October 13, 2025 – Byron Archambault, assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the Montreal Alouettes, himself a former professional and university football player, successfully completed the 42.2 km of the Beneva Montreal Marathon on September 21. More than just a personal challenge, the Aléo Foundation scholarship recipient from 2010 to 2014 decided to raise funds to in turn award a scholarship to a rising young athlete.
Byron officially presented his scholarship, at midfield, during the Alouettes' last home game, in Julien Masesa, an emerging athlete in football and basketball. It was through the Montreal Alouettes Foundation that the distribution of the funds raised during the marathon was made possible.
«I owed it to the Aléo Foundation to give back, and this is only the beginning. The entire Foundation team did everything they could, and more, to help me when I needed it. I will be eternally grateful to you,» Byron Archambault described regarding his close bond with the Aléo Foundation.
Adding to the full-circle moment, this scholarship presentation was the first for the Aléo Foundation's brand-new scholarship program coordinator, Frédéric Chagnon, who played as a linebacker for the Alouettes until last December. It was an emotionally charged moment for the trio of football players on the field, whose paths crossed in multiple ways.
«It is very meaningful for me to begin this new professional life alongside Byron, the Alouettes, and Julien. It is about the past, the present, and the future all at the same time, in continuation of my passion for football,» explained Frédéric Chagnon.
An upcoming meeting is already planned between the Aléo Foundation and Byron Archambault, as he will return to present another scholarship as part of the Accès Nouvelle Génération scholarship presentation next February.
Scholar profile
Julien Masesa – Football and Basketball
1Re Alouettes de Montréal Foundation x Aléo Foundation scholarship
12 years old – Montreal (Saint-Laurent)
2,000 $ Scholarship
Studies in sports concentration in 11th gradee high school at Saint-Laurent High School
He plays multiple positions on the football field, as he lines up as a quarterback, running back, and also on the defensive line.
Feat of an eight-touchdown game last year and seven touchdowns this season.
Also stands out in basketball. He plays as his team's starting point guard, which finished 2nde position at the last provincial championships.
He would like to become a doctor one day.
About the Montreal Alouettes Foundation
The mission of the Montreal Alouettes Foundation is to support Quebec youth. Active in Greater Montreal schools since 1998, it relies on its «Together at School» program to raise awareness among young people about bullying and to encourage academic perseverance in an atmosphere of well-being. It also uses football as a driver for motivation and community engagement to inspire youth and encourage them to stay active.
About the Aléo Foundation
The Aléo Foundation's mission is to maximize the full potential of as many outstanding student-athletes from all backgrounds as possible, in order to generate a significant and lasting impact. Created in 1985, it has awarded over $25 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 student-athletes from across Quebec. In addition to these scholarships, there is the essential component of services provided for life to all recipients during and after their athletic and academic careers. To support these coaching services, the Aléo Research Chair is now a vector for scientific results available to the entire local sports community.
The Generations of Impact fundraising campaign aims to raise six million dollars over three years to bring us closer to our grand vision: that elite student-athletes enrich society through their current and future leadership, both through their exceptional contributions and the inspiring examples they embody.
To supportImpact for Generations
For more information: fondationaleo.ca
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Annie Dubé
Director of Communications and Marketing
Aléo Foundation
438-884-6626
annie.dube@fondationaleo.ca
