Montreal, December 9, 2025 – Following the tragic death of Sébastien Groulx, an Olympian and former Aléo Foundation scholarship recipient, his family has chosen to honor him by creating a scholarship program in his name. The Turcotte-Groulx Family Foundation (FFTG) will award 50,000 $ to student-athletes in Quebec over the next five years, in memory of this inspiring individual.
Scholarships will be awarded to student-athletes from all sports disciplines and fields of study who share one common trait: perseverance.
The selected candidates will have to demonstrate that they have persevered and shown combativeness to achieve their goals, in addition to having distinguished themselves through mutual aid and sports commitment. Paths of perseverance may stem from obstacles related to school, a health condition, an injury, family context, or any other situation involving personal, academic, or athletic challenges.
Additionally, a component of mutual aid and collaboration will be sought. Much like Sébastien, who was a committed volunteer, a dedicated coach, an outstanding healthcare professional, and an exceptional dad, the recipients will be individuals who are there for their training peers and their sports community.
These character traits were valued by Sébastien when he was an athlete and coach, and will be highlighted in his scholarship recipients.
The first scholarships will be awarded at the Aléo Foundation's Spring Cocktail in May 2026.
Who was Sébastien Groulx?
Sébastien Groulx had a prolific athletic career in weightlifting that took him to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Still passionate about his sport, he continued his involvement in weightlifting with the Fortius Weightlifting Club and the Gym Richelieu Club after retiring as an athlete. During his athletic career, Sébastien received a scholarship from the Aléo Foundation in 2001. His daughter Rébéka, a former gymnastics athlete and now a weightlifter, was in turn an Aléo scholar. As a proud representative of the Turcotte-Groulx family, she notably secured a 10th [place] last Septembere place at her first senior World Weightlifting Championships.
In February 2025, Sébastien and his sister-in-law Maryse—his training partner with whom he competed in the 2000 Olympic Games—chose to jointly support the Aléo Foundation's Accès Nouvelle Génération program, a gesture imbued with meaning and continuity.
Professionally, Sébastien had been a flight nurse at Airmedic since 2020. He was recognized for his professionalism, rigor, and profound humanity. He also worked for more than 13 years at the Charles-Le Moyne Hospital, notably in emergency care, training several generations of caregivers.
Sébastien Groulx died on June 20, 2025 at the age of 50 during a medical evacuation mission on the Côte-Nord.
«Sébastien deeply believed in the importance of helping others and never giving up, no matter the obstacles. These scholarships are here to encourage young people who, like him, show courage, heart, and determination.»
Karine Turcotte, William, and Rébéka Groulx, Turcotte-Groulx Family Foundation
«We are honored that the Turcotte-Groulx Family chose the Aléo Foundation to give back in Sébastien's name and memory. Sébastien is part of the Aléo family, as a bursary recipient, as a bursary recipient's father, and as a donor. It is truly touching to know that he is still a donor, posthumously. We will ensure that the young people chosen reflect his character and keep Sébastien's values alive throughout their journey.»
Patricia Demers, Managing Director of the Aléo Foundation
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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, to generate significant and lasting impact. Established 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 lifelong services provided to all recipients during and after their athletic and academic journeys. To support these mentoring services, the Aléo Research Chair is now a vector of scientific results available to the entire sports community here.
The fundraising campaign Impact for Generations aims to raise six million dollars in three years to move closer to our grand 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 Impact 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
