Presented by Beneva and Desjardins in support of the Aléo Foundation and the 2027 Canada Games
Quebec City, March 26, 2026 – The business and sports communities of Quebec answered the call on March 26th at the Quebec Port Authority cruise terminal for the benefit evening. At the Games for the athletes, organized by the Aléo Foundation and the Host Society of the 2027 Canada Games. The event raised 267 610 $ to support the development of local athletes, including the next generation who will participate in the 2027 Canada Games.
Under the honorary co-chairmanship of Christian Fournier, Executive Vice-President and Leader, Property and Casualty Insurance at Beneva, and Sébastien Vallée, Senior Vice-President, Wealth Management at Desjardins, business leaders, partners, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes have joined forces to provide concrete support for the next generation of athletes.
Among the sports personalities present were Gaetan Boucher, the first Canadian to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics, the first co-spokesperson for the Aléo Foundation in 1985, and a former participant in the 1971 Canada Games. Guests also had the opportunity to meet an Aléo scholarship recipient Valérie Maltais, five-time Olympic medalist, including three medals won at the most recent Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, where she had the honor of carrying the Canadian flag during the closing ceremony.
Several Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are scholarship holders of the Aléo Foundation were also present, including Laurent Dubreuil, Marion Thénault, Cindy Ouellet and Aurélie Rivard. The evening also benefited from the participation of two former athletes who are now members of the Aléo team., François-Olivier Roberge, co-host of the evening, and Frédéric Chagnon, recently retired from the Montreal Alouettes. The event was co-hosted by Radio-Canada host William Dumas, a huge sports enthusiast.
Several athletes, both active and retired, have highlighted the importance of participating in this event to give back to the Aléo Foundation and the Canada Games, two organizations that have played a significant role in their journeys. From beneficiaries to donors, they are today contributing to this cycle of generosity that characterizes the Aléo Foundation.
100 % des profits de la soirée seront investis dans le développement des athlètes par la Fondation Aléo et les Jeux du Canada 2027.
In their own words:
«Supporting athletes means supporting the person behind every performance. The collaboration between Canada Games and the Aléo Foundation perfectly reflects this vision: two partners who, like Beneva, place people, and athletes in particular, at the heart of their actions. Participating in an event where profits are reinvested in sports and in those who make it happen is exactly the kind of commitment that drives our mutual. For over 16 years, we have proudly supported the Aléo Foundation and the next generation of athletes. Today, more than ever, we want to continue creating winning conditions together for our athletes.»
– Christian Fournier
Executive Vice President and Leader – Property and Casualty Insurance, Beneva
«The Games for athletes is a special moment to witness the strength of our community when it mobilizes for the next generation of athletes. The Canada Games play an essential role in the journey of thousands of young people who dream of reaching the highest level. It’s important for Desjardins to be by their side. Thanks to the exceptional support shown during this campaign, we are collectively contributing to offering athletes an environment where they can push their limits and build tomorrow's sporting legacy.»
– Sébastien Vallée
First Vice-President, Wealth Management, Desjardins
«The unique »Jeux pour les athlètes" event, in partnership with the Canada Games, is a highlight of our year. Not only do we reconnect with our business allies from Quebec and Chaudière-Appalaches, who have become regulars at our event in Quebec City, but this year we are also partnering with an organization that shares our values. We are grateful to once again witness the loyalty of the people of the Capitale-Nationale region to student-athletes, these inspiring young people who will become tomorrow's leaders."
– Martin Lavigne
President, Aléo Foundation
«As the 2027 Canada Games in Quebec approach, it's inspiring to see the business and sports communities come together to support the next generation of athletes. In collaboration with the Aléo Foundation, this evening demonstrates the full strength of our environment when it unites to foster the development of young athletes and contribute to the lasting legacy the Games will leave in our community.»
Denis Servais
President of the Host Society for the 2027 Canada Games
About the Aléo Foundation
The Aléo Foundation's mission is to maximize the full potential of as many outstanding student-athletes as possible from all backgrounds, in order to generate 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 an essential component of services provided for life to all recipients during and after their athletic and academic careers. To support these mentoring services, the Aléo Research Chairis now a vector for scientific results available to the entire sports community here.
The fundraising campaign Generations of Impact Its goal is to raise six million dollars in three years to move closer to our great vision: that student-athletes of excellence enrich society through their current and future leadership, both through their exceptional contributions and the inspiring examples they embody.
To support Generations of Impact
For more information: fondationaleo.ca
LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify
About the 2027 Canada Games
The Canada Games are the largest multi-sport competition in the country, bringing together over 3,500 high-caliber athletes and coaches in 22 sports disciplines. Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, they celebrate the perseverance and sportsmanship of young Canadian athletes.
The 2027 Canada Winter Games will be held in Quebec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027, marking the event's return to the city where it was born 60 years ago.
To contribute to the philanthropic campaign:
Make a donation
To learn everything about the 2027 Canada Games and follow the preparations:
www.canadagames2027.ca
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok
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To view photos from the party: https://bit.ly/PhotosAJPLA
For your information:
Annie Dubé
Director of Communications and Marketing
Aléo Foundation
438 884-6626
annie.dube@fondationaleo.ca
Wendy Whittom
Director of Communications and Events
2027 Canada Games
367 977-7990
wwhittom@jeuxducanada2027.ca
« Game On for the Athletes » Raises $267,610 for the Next Generation of Athletes
Presented by Beneva and Desjardins in support of the Aléo Foundation and the 2027 Canada Games
Quebec City, March 26, 2026 – Quebec City’s business and sports communities came together on March 26 at the Port of Quebec Cruise Terminal for the Game On for the Athletes fundraising event, organized by the Aléo Foundation and the 2027 Canada Games Host Society. The event raised $267,610 to support the development of athletes, including the next generation who will compete in the 2027 Canada Games.
Held under the honorary co-chairmanship of Christian Fournier, Executive Vice-President and Leader – Property & Casualty Insurance at Beneva, and Sébastien Vallée, ; Senior Vice-President of Wealth Management at Desjardins, the evening brought together business leaders, partners, and Olympic and Paralympic athletes in support of the next generation of athletes.
Among the distinguished sports figures in attendance was Gaetan Boucher, the first Canadian to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics, the first co-spokesperson for the Aléo Foundation in 1985, and a participant in the 1971 Canada Games. Guests also had the opportunity to spend the evening with an Aléo scholarship recipient Valérie Maltais, a five-time Olympic medalist, including three medals at the most recent Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, where she had the honor of carrying the Canadian flag at the closing ceremony.
Several Olympic and Paralympic scholarship athletes were also present, including Laurent Dubreuil, Marion Thénault, Cindy Ouellet, and Aurélie Rivard. The evening also featured two members of the Aléo team who are former athletes, François-Olivier Roberge, co-host of the evening, and Frédéric Chagnon, recently retired from the Montreal Alouettes. The event was co-hosted by Radio-Canada host and sports enthusiast Guillaume Dumas.
Many active and retired athletes emphasized the importance of participating in the event to give back to the Aléo Foundation and the Canada Games, two organizations that played a significant role in their journey. From beneficiaries to donors, they are now part of the cycle of philanthropy that defines the Aléo Foundation.
100% of the evening’s proceeds will be invested in athlete development through the Aléo Foundation and the 2027 Canada Games.
In their own words:
“Supporting athletes means supporting the person behind every performance. The collaboration between the Canada Games and the Aléo Foundation perfectly reflects this vision: two partners who, like Beneva, put people, and particularly athletes, at the heart of their mission. Contributing to an event whose proceeds go directly back into sport and to the athletes who make it all happen is exactly the kind of commitment that drives us. For more than 16 years, we have proudly supported the Aléo Foundation and the next generation of athletes; today, we are more determined than ever to work together to create the conditions they need to thrive.“
– Christian Fournier
Executive Vice President and Leader – Property & Casualty Insurance, Beneva
“This event is a special opportunity to see just how strong our community is when it rallies around the next generation of athletes. The Canada Games play a vital role in the journey of thousands of young people who dream of reaching the highest level. It’s important for Desjardins to stand with them. Thanks to exceptional support throughout this campaign, we are working together to provide athletes with an environment in which they can excel and build the future of Canadian sport.”
– Sébastien Vallée
Executive Vice-President, Wealth Management, Desjardins
“The unique Game On for the Athletes event, in partnership with the Canada Games, is a highlight of our year. Not only do we reconnect with our business partners in Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches—who have become regular participants in our event in Québec City—but this year we’re partnering with an organization that shares our values. We are grateful to once again witness the loyalty of the people of the Capitale-Nationale toward student-athletes—these inspiring young people who will become the leaders of tomorrow.”
– Martin Lavigne
President, Aléo Foundation
“As we look ahead to the 2027 Canada Games in Québec City, it is inspiring to see the business and sports communities coming together to support the next generation of athletes. In collaboration with the Aléo Foundation, this event showcases the strength of our community when it unites to foster the development of young athletes and contribute to the lasting legacy the Games will leave in our community.”
Denis Servais
Chair, 2027 Canada Games Host Society
About the Aléo Foundation
The Aléo Foundation’s mission is to maximize the full potential of the greatest number of excellent student-athletes from all walks of life, in order to generate a significant and lasting impact. Founded in 1985, the organization has awarded over $$25 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 student-athletes across Quebec. In addition to these bursaries, the Foundation also provides lifelong services to all recipients during and after their athletic and academic careers. To support these services, the Aléo Research Chair is now a vector of scientific results available to the entire sports community.
The Generations of Impact The fundraising campaign aims to raise six million dollars over three years to bring us closer to our grand vision: that excellent student-athletes enrich society through their current and future leadership, both through their exceptional contributions and the inspiring examples they embody.
To support Generations of Impact
For more information: fondationaleo.ca
LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify
About the 2027 Canada Games
The Canada Games are the country's largest multisport competition, bringing together more than 3,500 high-caliber athletes and coaches across 22 sports. Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, they celebrate the perseverance and sportsmanship of Canada's young athletes.
The 2027 Canada Winter Games will be held in Québec City from February 27 to March 14, 2027, marking the event's return to the city where it was first held 60 years ago.
To contribute to the fundraising campaign:
Donate
To learn more about the 2027 Canada Games and follow the preparations:
www.canadagames2027.ca
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok
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Link to photos: https://bit.ly/PhotosAJPLA
For more information:
Annie Dubé
Director of Communications and Marketing
Aleo Foundation
438 884-6626
annie.dube@fondationaleo.ca
Wendy Whittom
Director of Communications and Events
2027 Canada Games
367-977-7990
wwhittom@jeuxducanada2027.ca
