Mont-Tremblant, September 26, 2018 – The second edition of the Défi 808 Bonneville, presented by Fenplast and Lowe’s Canada in collaboration with Samson Groupe Conseil, raised more than 500,000 $ for the Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence (FAEQ).
The cycling event took place this weekend in Mont-Tremblant, and a total of over 350 cyclists took on the challenge of riding the distance of their choice: 125 km solo, 202 km solo or duo, as well as 404 and 808 km solo, duo, or in teams of 4.
«As we predicted, the 2018 Défi 808 Bonneville was filled with intense emotions. The participants truly had to dig deep within themselves to accomplish their chosen challenge. The wind, the cold, and temperatures hovering near 0 degrees Celsius increased the difficulty level of the routes. The bonds that the cyclists developed with one another and their support teams are equally unique. The Défi 808 Bonneville is meant to be an opportunity to commit to a challenge, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, get back into shape, and cross the finish line with a heart full of pride, strength, and confidence for the future. We hope we have succeeded in inspiring our student-athletes, who inspire us in return and for whom we all rode together this weekend, declared Dany Bonneville, founder and president of the Défi 808 Bonneville, who himself completed the ultimate 808 km solo event in 35 hours and 57 minutes.
FAEQ President Claude Chagnon also expressed his delight with this second edition: «Once again this year, we can say mission accomplished. Not only did the event raise a considerable amount of money for its second edition, but the participants» achievements were truly touching and inspiring. “The amount raised will allow us to reach our goal of awarding 1,500,000 $ in individual scholarships to nearly 525 student-athletes in 2019 and to continue supporting them as they balance their studies and sports,” he said.
Current and former scholarship holders who participate
Several FAEQ scholarship holders and alumni participated in this second edition, notably Lyne Bessette, Annie Pelletier, Charles Moreau, Marie-Claude Molnar, Éliot Grondin, Amélie Kretz, Élisabeth Boutin, Félix Bertrand, Jérémy Briand, Joëlle Numainville, Jean-Marc Chouinard, and Mathieu Laforest.
Dedicated sponsors and partners
For this second edition, the organizing committee of the Défi 808 Bonneville was able to count on the support of numerous sponsors, partners, and suppliers such as Fenplast, Lowe’s Canada, Samson groupe conseil, Saputo, Stelpro, Lefebvre & Benoît, Planète Courrier, Industries Bonneville, Coaching Financier Trek, Albi Volvo Ste-Agathe, Toitures Hogues, Team Boscus, SS Lacasse, Cycle Néron, Asportek, Financière Banque Nationale, Kronobar, Alfid, Alithya, Soprema, Cogeco Média, AVT, Powerwatts, Évolution Physio, Agence CFL, Imprimerie en Gros, and Lounge Factory.
About the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ)
The FAEQ stands out for its personalized approach, management rigor, and influential role in the sports and education communities. It supports student-athletes in their academic, athletic, and professional journeys by awarding individual scholarships and offering support services in academic guidance and the balancing of sports and studies.
