Montreal, Thursday, May 13, 2021 – It is with pride that the Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) begins a new chapter in its partnership with La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services. The FAEQ is announcing an investment totaling 200 000 $ over two years of Beneva, the company born from the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Assurance, in supporting student-athletes in the province.
The FAEQ considers itself very fortunate to have the largest insurance mutual in Canada, with over 5,000 employees, as part of its group of prestigious partners. Its support, which it is extending through 2022 and 2023, makes a big difference in the academic and athletic journeys of Quebec's top student-athletes.
The La Capitale Scholarship Program (now the Beneva Scholarship Program) has been a great success since its inception in 2010, with several recipients having distinguished themselves on the international stage. Among them is Olympic champion Samuel Girard short track speed skating, the world champions Laurence Vincent-Lapointe (sprint canoeing) and Cindy Ouellet(wheelchair basketball) as well as the Olympic runner-up Kim Boutin (Short track speed skating). Former La Capitale/Beneva scholarship holders also stand out after their athletic careers. In these times of health crisis, we can salute the professional success of Marie-Eve Beauchemin-Nadeau weightlifting, Rémi Pelletier-Roy (track and road cycling) and Marie-Claude Surprenant (mountain bike), all three of whom became doctors after balancing elite sports and studies.
For the 12the program editing, 80 000 $ scholarships are awarded to 23 outstanding student-athletes. In 2021, 16 recipients have their financial support renewed by the program, while 7 scholarship holders join the large family of the Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence and Beneva, born from the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Assurance.
As part of a virtual Facebook event, Jean-François Chalifoux, President and CEO of Beneva, and Annie Pelletier, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the FAEQ, were able to speak with the recipients. The recipients are receiving individual scholarships of $2,000 $ or $4,000 $ in one of the following categories: support for academic and athletic success, academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance.
What they said:
«Beneva is proud to continue its partnership with the Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence du Québec. This collaboration allows us to support several young student-athletes in Quebec, year after year. It is also a way for us to emphasize the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, which are essential for people's health and communities» well-being. I congratulate our scholarship recipients on their determination and their accomplishments, both in sports and academics.»
– Jean-François Chalifoux, President and CEO of Beneva
«When we look in the rearview mirror of the La Capitale/Beneva Scholarship Program, it's impressive to say the least to witness the athletic and professional accomplishments of several past recipients. Especially since most were supported when they were still little-known and when they needed it most. I am convinced that Beneva's support will inspire many more young student-athletes from the Belle Province in their pursuit of excellence.»
– Claude Chagnon, President of the Foundation for Athletic Excellence
Beneva was formed from the merger of La Capitale and SSQ Assurance, making it the largest mutual insurance company in Canada with over 3.5 million members and clients. It relies on more than 5,000 dedicated employees: people who protect people. Its human approach is rooted in the mutualist values shared by its employees. With assets of over $25 billion, Beneva is a key player among the giants of the insurance and financial services industry in Canada. Its head office is in Quebec City. For more information, visit beneva.ca
