Montreal, March 16, 2023 – Cirque du Soleil Group and the Aléo Foundation are joining forces today to announce the creation of eight honorary scholarships to support high-level student-athletes in Quebec in both their academic and athletic pursuits. Cirque du Soleil Group will provide an annual financial contribution of 40,000 $ over two years to fund these scholarships. This means a potential total of sixteen athletes will share a sum of 80,000 $ in 2023 and 2024. This initiative is part of Cirque du Soleil Group’s commitment to supporting athletic excellence among student-athletes who excel in disciplines related to the performing arts, such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, diving, and trampoline.
«We are very proud to support Quebec's athletic excellence and the development of local athletes. We hope that this new scholarship program will enable the recipients to achieve their athletic goals and showcase their discipline and talent on the highest podiums,» says Caroline Couillard, Global Chief Director of Public Relations, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
This is a partnership that also aims to serve as a bridge toward the professional transitions of Aléo Foundation scholarship holders. «Cirque du Soleil has been recruiting high-level athletes at the end of their careers since its inception. There are many similarities between the work of a competitive athlete and the various circus professions, including discipline, rigor, perfectionism, and this pursuit of the perfect moment. With this in mind, it was completely natural for us to partner with the Aléo Foundation for the creation of scholarships,» adds Richard Lepage, Senior Director of Human Performance Design and Management at Groupe Cirque du Soleil.
«The Cirque du Soleil Group is an unmatched partner for the Aléo Foundation. The flagship Quebec company is certainly an employer of choice for our scholarship recipients, not only for the direct link to circus professions, but also for all the company's other functions. The skills and competencies acquired as athletes are tools applicable to the workplace, an extraordinary asset recognized by the company, concludes Patricia Demers, executive director of the Aléo Foundation.
About the Cirque du Soleil Group
Cirque du Soleil Group is a leader in the entertainment industry Live. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the company brings its creative approach to a wide variety of entertainment forms, including multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Beyond its diverse creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to have a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet through its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, visit the website CirqueduSoleilGroup.com.
About the Aléo Foundation
Established in 1985, the Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence (FAEQ) has awarded over $20 million in scholarships to nearly 4,000 outstanding student-athletes from across Quebec. With the goal of clarifying the organization's mission to propel athletes beyond sports, in 2022 the FAEQ rebranded and changed its name to Fondation Aléo. In addition to continuing its provision of scholarships and support services to tomorrow's leaders, it confirms its personalized approach, focusing on the overall well-being and development of its scholarship recipients in their performance.
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Sources:
Marie-Noëlle Caron
Cirque du Soleil Group
marie-noelle.caron@cirquedusoleil.com
Patricia Demers
Chief Executive Officer
Aléo Foundation
514-252-3171, extension 3728
patricia.demers@fondationaleo.ca
For more information: fondationaleo.ca as well as the official pages of the Aléo Foundation:
Page LinkedIn Aléo
Page Facebook Aléo
Page Instagram Aléo
Page YouTube Aléo
