Montreal, November 28, 2024 – Created in the spring of 2024, the Aléo Foundation's new holistic leadership program for student-athletes, supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation, took flight by welcoming its first ten recipients.
Gathering for the first time in August 2024 for a day of training, the leadership scholarship recipients will receive their 4,000 $ scholarships associated with the program on December 3 during the Aléo Foundation’s college and university awards ceremony. This event will conclude a second two-day session of workshops and activities designed to enrich their educational journey.
This new program aims to encourage student-athletes from Quebec, as well as from Canada and elsewhere in the world, who are members of RSEQ at the university level, to balance their studies and their sport while developing their leadership skills.
Citation:
«The Aléo Leadership Program, with the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation, is a new way to support exceptional student-athletes. It is essential for us to always strive for the development of our scholarship recipients beyond sport. This program is a demonstration of our unifying power for stakeholders in the community for the benefit of student-athletes. Halfway through, these young people are already very inspiring and we are immensely proud to be part of their journey.»
– Patricia Demers, Executive Director of the Aléo Foundation
The profiles of the ten scholarship recipients
Nicole Amaral – Rugby
Concordia University Stingers
23 years old – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (living in Saint-Constant)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management at Concordia University.
- «Sports have played an important role in shaping who I am by instilling in me a strong work ethic and a spirit of cooperation. I am committed to giving back, notably by supporting its development among young athletes.»
Nicole was born in Brazil and arrived in Quebec at the age of 6. Sport strongly contributed to her development as a young woman and athlete. She fell in love with rugby at 18 at Dawson College, continuing to play at Concordia University. She wishes to give back to her sports community, notably as a coach for women's teams.
Alexandre Gagnon – Hockey
McGill University Redbirds
25 years old – Gatineau (lives in Montreal)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying for a Master's in Sport Psychology at McGill University.
- «Leadership is a daily conscious effort to try to be the best version of oneself and inspire others to do the same.»
Alexandre is studying leadership development in university hockey programs as part of his master's thesis. He is particularly interested in this topic given his role as captain of the McGill University Redbirds hockey team. A graduate in physical and health education, he values good habits and an active lifestyle. He believes in the importance of balance to thrive in all spheres of his life and strives to become the best version of himself.
Abdellah Hassar – Athletics (hammer throw)
Laval University Red and Gold
28 years old – Morocco (living in Quebec)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology at Laval University.
- «Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, both on the field and in the laboratory.»
Abdellah, 28, is a hammer throw athlete, U Sports champion, and PhD student in kinesiology at Université Laval. Between biomechanics and neuroscience, he explores how fatigue influences motor learning. Also deeply involved in the program committee, he energizes student life and engages in social projects to encourage academic excellence. On the field as in the lab, Abdellah knows no limits and turns every obstacle into a springboard toward new heights.
Jules Labrecque – Athletics (pole vault)
Laval University Red and Gold
22 years old – Sorel-Tracy
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studies in engineering physics at Université Laval.
- Involved in various student associations, he also participates in several engineering competitions.
Jules is studying engineering physics at Université Laval. He has been practicing track and field for 3 years now and specializes in the pole vault. He is involved in various student associations and participates in several engineering competitions. He is currently doing a study semester in France.
Béatrice Lamarche – Volleyball
Laval University Red and Gold
25 years old – Montreal (Ahuntsic-Cartierville)
4000 $ – 2e Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying in the Graduate Diploma (DESS) in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and in the Master’s in Administration Sciences, Human and Organizational Development at Université Laval.
- «I campaign for girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals to have their place in the world of sports, and that is my daily crusade.»
Beatrice is a student-athlete who has been playing on the Rouge et Or volleyball team for 6 years now. Her diverse course of study, which includes international studies, Indigenous studies, equity, diversity and inclusion, and management sciences, has sparked in her a deep desire to get involved in her community. Over the course of her university career, she has found a way to juggle her passions for social issues, social engagement, sports, and inclusion, nurturing her athletic, academic, and community worlds alike through numerous initiatives in her environment.
Jérémie Labonté – Badminton
Université de Sherbrooke Green and Gold
25 years old – Lévis (Lauzon sector)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying in the Master's program in Special Education and Social Adjustment at the Université de Sherbrooke.
- After an injury that kept him away from sports for a few months, Jérémie put his energy into giving back to his community, notably by participating in Nez rouge as a Vert & Or ambassador and volunteering his time as a coach.
Jérémie is starting a master's degree in remedial and social education after a four-year bachelor's degree in physical and health education teaching. With this master's degree, he wants to acquire the necessary tools to create the best possible environment for students, his colleagues, and society. In badminton, he stands out for his passion. «I believe in what I can do and I know that every match is winnable.»
Naomie Lo – Swimming
McGill Martlets
21 years old – Toronto (lives in Montreal)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying software engineering with a minor in commerce at McGill University.
- Naomie is both the captain of the swimming team and the president of Women in Tech at McGill University, where she champions inclusivity in the tech world.
Naomie is a swimmer specializing in the 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle. She won the McGill female athlete of the year award for the 2023-2024 season. Her leadership extends beyond campus; she volunteered as a lifeguard at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her dedication to swimming, technology, and creating inclusive spaces reflects her passion for leading by example in the pool and beyond.
Anderson Recker – Rugby
McGill University Redbirds
25 years old – Stillwater Lake, Nova Scotia (lives in Montreal)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- He is studying for a Master of Business Administration at McGill University.
- Recognized five times as a Canadian Academic All-Star during his undergraduate studies at Acadia University and named among the 8 Canadian Academic All-Stars in 2022.
Anderson is a dedicated athlete, a leader, and a community builder in sports. Holding a degree in Business Technology Management from Acadia University and currently pursuing an MBA at McGill University, he aims to make an impact in the strategic consulting industry in Quebec. A former star football player, he now excels on the McGill varsity rugby team, tackling every challenge with resilience, determination, and a drive for excellence.
Mathilde Rousseau – Soccer
Laval University Red and Gold
23 years old – Lévis (Saint-Nicolas sector)
4,000 $ – 5e Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studies medicine at Laval University.
- Involved in women's health research which she presented at an international congress, organizer of events for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and founder of summer camps for children.
Mathilde is a medical student at Laval University and captain of the Rouge et Or women's soccer team. A triple U Sports Canadian Championship medalist and bronze medalist at the FISU America Games, she is involved in women's health research, serves as an event organizer for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and is the founder of children's summer camps.
Neleh Vigneau Sargeant – Hockey
Bishop's University Gaiters
21 years old – Lake Loon, Nova Scotia (lives in Sherbrooke)
4,000 $ – 1Re Aléo Foundation scholarship
- Studying sociology and nutritiondouble major) and in law (pre-law minorat Bishop's University.
- Captain of the Canadian gold-medal-winning team at the International Ball Hockey Association World Championship in the Czech Republic in 2023.
Neleh is an accomplished student-athlete who loves adventure, high-level sports, and new challenges. She values her family, friends, teammates, and volunteers as a coach and student leader on several university committees. Upon entering Bishop's University with the Chancellor's Scholarship for Excellence, she maintained excellent grades while playing ice hockey and ball hockey at the highest level. She shines with several distinctions: Canadian Academic All-Star, RSEQ All-Star, Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive MVP, and top goal scorer at the IBHA World Championships!
About the McCall MacBain Foundation
The mission of the McCall MacBain Foundation is to improve the well-being of humanity through scholarships and other educational opportunities that foster transformative leadership, and by investing in evidence-based strategies to combat climate change, preserve our natural environment, and improve health outcomes.
The Foundation has made significant investments in the leadership potential of young people, particularly through scholarships McCall MacBain at McGill, with scholarships Rhodes, at the Loran Scholars and scholarships at several universities in Canada, including McMaster University and at the’Dalhousie University, as well as scholarships Mandela Rhodes in South Africa and on the stock exchanges Kupe Leadership in New Zealand.
About the Aléo Foundation
Created in 1985, the Aléo Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in bursaries to nearly 5,000 elite student-athletes from across Quebec. To clarify the organization's mission—which aims to propel athletes beyond sport—the former Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence du Québec changed its name and brand image in 2022 to become the Aléo Foundation. In addition to continuing to award scholarships and support services to the leaders of tomorrow, it reaffirms its personalized approach, placing the overall personal fulfillment and performance well-being of its scholarship recipients at the heart of its actions.
For more information: fondationaleo.ca as well as the Aléo Foundation's official pages on our platforms:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
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Jonathan Collin
Scholarship Programs Coordinator
Aléo Foundation
514-252-3171 x. 3884
jonathan.collin@fondationaleo.ca
Aléo x McCall Mac Bain Leadership Program – First Cohort in Training
Montreal, November 28, 2024 – Launched in the spring of 2024, the Aléo Foundation’s new holistic leadership program for student-athletes, supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation, is now up and running, welcoming its first ten motivated and inspiring participants.
Gathering for the first time in August 2024 for a day of training, the Leadership Scholars will receive their $4,000 scholarships—awarded as part of their selection—on December 3 as part of the Aléo Foundation’s college and university awards evening. This evening will mark the conclusion of a second two-day session of workshops and activities designed to enrich their career paths.
This new program aims to encourage student-athletes from Quebec, other parts of Canada, and around the world—who are members of the RSEQ at the university level—to balance their studies with their athletic careers, while developing their leadership skills.
Quote:
“The Aléo Leadership Program, with the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation, is a new way of supporting exceptional student-athletes. It’s essential for us to always strive for the development of our scholarship recipients beyond sport. This program is another example of our power to bring together actors in the community for the benefit of our student-athletes. At the halfway point of the program, these young people are already so inspiring, and we are immensely proud to be part of their journey.”
– Patricia Demers, Executive Director, Aléo Foundation
Profiles of the Ten Recipients
Nicole Amaral – Rugby
Concordia University Stingers
23 years old – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (lives in Saint-Constant)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Commerce / Marketing and Management at Concordia University.
- “Sports have played an important role in shaping who I am, instilling in me a strong work ethic and a spirit of cooperation. I’m committed to giving back, particularly by supporting the development of young athletes.”
Nicole was born in Brazil and moved to Quebec at the age of 6. Sports have played a major role in her development as a young woman and athlete. She fell in love with rugby at the age of 18 at Dawson College and then Concordia University. She wants to give back to her sporting community, in particular by coaching women’s teams.
Alexandre Gagnon – Hockey
McGill University Redbirds
25 years old – Gatineau (lives in Montreal)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying for a master’s degree in sport psychology at McGill University.
- “Leadership is a daily conscious effort to try to be the best version of yourself and inspire others to do the same.”
Alexandre is studying leadership development in university ice-hockey programs as part of his master’s thesis. He is particularly interested in this topic given his role as captain of the McGill Redbirds ice-hockey team. A graduate in physical and health education, he values good habits and an active lifestyle. He believes in the importance of balance in all spheres of life, and strives to become the best version of himself.
Abdellah Hassar – Athletics (hammer throw)
Laval University Rouge et Or
28 years old – Morocco (lives in Quebec City)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying for a doctorate in kinesiology at Laval University.
- “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, both in the field and in the laboratory.”
Abdellah is a U Sports champion hammer thrower and doctoral student in kinesiology at Laval University. Between biomechanics and neuroscience, he explores how fatigue influences motor learning. Also deeply involved in the program committee, he energizes student life and engages in social projects to stimulate academic excellence. In the field and in the lab, Abdellah knows no limits, transforming every obstacle into an opportunity.
Jules Labrecque – Athletics (pole vault)
Laval University Rouge et Or
22 years old – Sorel-Tracy
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying physical engineering at Laval University
- Involved in various student associations, he also takes part in several engineering competitions.
Jules is studying physical engineering at Laval University. He has been practicing athletics for 3 years now, specializing in pole vaulting. He is involved in various student associations and takes part in several engineering competitions. He is currently studying in France.
Béatrice Lamarche – Volleyball
Laval University Rouge et Or
25 years old – Montreal (Ahuntsic-Cartierville)
4000 $ – 2nd Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying for a DESS in Equity-Diversity-Inclusion and a master’s degree in administration, Personal and Organizational Development at Laval University
- “I campaign for girls, women and people of gender diversity to have their place in the world of sport, it’s my daily motivation.”
Béatrice has been a student-athlete with the Rouge et Or volleyball team for 6 years now. Her diverse academic background, which includes international studies, aboriginal studies, equity, diversity and inclusion, and business administration, has given her a strong desire to get involved in her community. Throughout her university career, she has found a way to juggle her passions for social issues, social commitment, sport and inclusion by nurturing her sporting, academic and community worlds through numerous initiatives in her milieu.
Jérémie Labonté – Badminton
Bishop's University / Université de Sherbrooke Vert & Or
25 years old – Lévis (Lauzon sector)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying for a master’s degree in special education at Sherbrooke University
- After an injury that kept him out of the sport for a few months, Jérémie put his energy into giving back to his community, notably by participating in Nez rouge as a Vert & Or ambassador and by donating his time as a trainer.
Jérémie is starting a Master’s degree in Special Education after four years of a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. With this master’s degree, he hopes to acquire the tools needed to create the best possible environment for his students, his colleagues and society as a whole. In badminton, he stands out by his passion. “I believe in what I can do, and I know that every match is winnable.”
Naomie Lo – Swimming
McGill University Martlets
21 years old – Toronto (lives in Montreal)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying Software Engineering with a minor in business at McGill University.
- Naomie is both captain of the swim team and president of Women in Tech at McGill University, where she champions inclusivity in the world of technology.
Naomie is a competitive swimmer specializing in the 200 m butterfly and 400 m freestyle. She won McGill’s Female Athlete of the Year award for the 2023-2024 season. Her leadership extends beyond campus; she volunteered as a lifeguard at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Naomie’s dedication to swimming, technology and creating inclusive spaces reflects her passion to lead by example in the pool and beyond.
Anderson Recker – Rugby
McGill University Redbirds
25 years old – Stillwater Lake, Nova Scotia (lives in Montreal)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying for the Master of Business Administration at McGill University.
- Recognized five times as a Canadian Academic All-Star during his undergraduate studies at Acadia University and named one of 8 Canadian Academic All-Stars in 2022.
Anderson is a dedicated athlete, leader and community builder in sport. With a degree in Business Technology Management from Acadia University and an MBA in progress at McGill University, he aims to make an impact on the strategic consulting industry in Quebec. A former star football player at Acadia, he now excels with McGill’s varsity rugby team, meeting every challenge with resilience, determination and a drive for excellence.
Mathilde Rousseau – Soccer
Laval University Rouge et Or
23 years old – Lévis (Saint-Nicolas sector)
4000 $ – 5th Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Studying medicine at Laval University.
- Involved in women’s health research, which she has defended at international conferences, event organizer for the Breast Cancer Foundation and founder of summer camps for children.
Mathilde is a medical student at Laval University and captain of the Rouge et Or women’s soccer team. A triple medalist at the U Sports Canadian Championships and bronze medalist at the Pan-American University Championships, she is involved in women’s health research, organizes events for the Breast Cancer Foundation and founded summer camps for kids.
Neleh Vigneau Sargeant – Hockey
Bishop’s University Gaiters
21 years old – Lake Loon, Nova Scotia (lives in Sherbrooke)
4000 $ – 1st Aléo Foundation Scholarship
- Double major in Sociology and Nutrition, minor in Pre-law at Bishop’s University
- Captain of the Canadian national ball hockey team that won the International Ball Hockey Association gold medal in the Czech Republic in 2023.
Neleh is an accomplished student-athlete who loves adventure, high-level sports and new challenges. She values her family, friends, teammates and volunteers as a coach and student leader on several university committees. Entering Bishop’s University on the Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence, she has maintained excellent grades while playing ice and ball hockey at the highest level. She shines with many distinctions: Academic All-Canadian, RSEQ All-Star, Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and top scorer at the IBHA World Championships!
About the McCall MacBain Foundation
The McCall MacBain Foundation’s mission is to improve the welfare of humanity by providing scholarships and other educational opportunities that nurture transformational leadership, and by investing in evidence-based strategies to address climate change, preserve our natural environment, and improve health outcomes.
The Foundation has made significant investments in the leadership potential of young people, most notably through the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill, the Rhodes Scholarships, the Loran Awards, and scholarships at several universities in Canada including McMaster University and Dalhousie University, as well as the Mandela Rhodes Scholarships based in South Africa and the Kupe Leadership Scholarships in New Zealand.
About the Aléo Foundation
Founded in 1985, the Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has awarded more than $25 million in scholarships to nearly 5,000 student-athletes from across Québec. To better reflect the organization’s mission of helping athletes excel beyond sports, the FAEQ changed its name and brand image in 2022, becoming the Aléo Foundation. In addition to continuing to provide scholarships and guidance services to the leaders of tomorrow, it maintains its personalized approach, in which the overall development and well-being of its scholarship recipients are at the heart of its activities.
For more information, please visit fondationaleo.ca or the Aléo Foundation's social media pages:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
– 30 –
Jonathan Collin
Coordinator, Bursary programs
Aleo Foundation
514-252-3171 x 3884
jonathan.collin@fondationaleo.ca
