Montreal, April 18, 2023 – The Aléo Foundations, Ali Gerba and Patrice Bernier as well as the Ringleaders Club have joined forces to support the efforts of seven student-athletes by granting them financial support of 2000$ as part of the first edition of a new soccer scholarship program.
This soccer community initiative for the soccer community allowed the best hopeful student-athletes from seven different regions to participate in a most friendly and dynamic scholarship awards ceremony.
The event actually took place at the Complete Striker complex, run by Ali Gerba, a former professional soccer player turned entrepreneur and coach. After the awarding of scholarships totaling $16,000$, Patrice Bernier, also a former professional player, now a commentator and speaker, gave a conference on sportsmanship. A games session hosted by Gerba then followed, much to the delight of the recipients.
Angelo Destounis, founder of the Ringleaders club, and Marie-Eve Desrochers, Director of Philanthropic Development at the Aléo Foundation and a member of the Ringleaders, also stayed true to the club's creative spirit by offering personalized jerseys to the scholarship recipients present.
For the benefit of the new scholarship program, Destounis organized a fundraiser with the Ringleaders, even putting some items from his legendary soccer archives up for auction. Desrochers, for her part, ran the Montreal Marathon, finishing first in the individual fundraising competition of "Du cœur à la course.".
Amy Walsh, a member of Soccer Canada's Hall of Fame, was also present and praised the efforts of the seven recipients. A former Aléo Foundation bursary recipient in 1996, she is now an ambassador for women's soccer at CF Montréal.
Another former Aléo scholar in 2003, Olivier Brett, also congratulated the student-athletes. The host, commentator, and analyst for RDS, 91.9 Sports, and TSN690 was thus able to give his niece a wonderful surprise Janie Pelletier, one of the seven recipients.
In their own words:
«The Ali Gerba Foundation's mission is to mentor young people through sports. Our partnership with Aléo is therefore a natural fit. The life lessons sports can offer are the promise of balanced and inspiring future generations. Soccer also offers exceptional opportunities for exchanges with immigrant communities and for living together. I'm happy to join the big Aléo family.»
– Ali Gerba
«I have always been involved in the soccer communities I've been a part of throughout my playing career and since it ended. Through my story and my actions, I want to give back to youth and cultural communities. My commitment today with the Aléo Foundation allows me to achieve one of my personal goals of making a lasting social impact within the soccer community in the province.»
– Patrice Bernier
«I only realized I was involved in the community when a friend pointed it out to me. Very naturally, I was always there out of will and passion. As far back as I can remember, I've naturally been interested in people: I would go to my elders for advice and I would also go to young people for ideas. Football has given me a lot, friends, partners, and unforgettable memories. So I want to give back whenever I have the opportunity, and it is with great joy that I am collaborating with the Aléo Foundation today.»
– Angelo Destounis, founder, The Ringleaders club
«Inspired by the philosophy The Beautiful Game, We wanted to mobilize the soccer community to set up a dedicated scholarship program. Soccer is a popular and accessible sport, so we were keen for that to be reflected in the choice of partners with whom we would collaborate to meet the maximum needs of different communities. It is therefore with joy that we join forces with the Ali Gerba Foundation, the Patrice Bernier Foundation, and the Ringleaders club. Moreover, combining my professional and sporting passions excites me very much; I consider it a privilege.»
– Marie-Eve Desrochers, Director of Philanthropic Development, Aléo Foundation
New name, new image, same mission!
The Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has adopted a new name and visual identity: ALÉO – Propelling the athlete beyond sport. This change aims to further highlight its personalized approach where overall well-being and Well-being in performance its scholarship holders are at the center of its actions.
2023 Soccer Program Recipients
from the Aléo Foundation
Pierre-Olivier Guénette / 1st Patrice Bernier Foundation Scholarship
13 years old – Montreal (Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) / Montreal region
2000 $
Had a stay in Italy and was seen by scouts from a few clubs.
Silver medalist with the U14 Montreal team at the Quebec Games Finals in Laval in July 2022.
Studying in 2nd year secondary in the sports-études program at École Édouard-Montpetit.
Pierre-Olivier is interested in management and administration. He intends to work in a soccer-related job and become a youth soccer coach.
Sam Hamitouche / 1st Ali Gerba Foundation Scholarship
13 years old – Saint-Eustache / Laurentides region
2000 $
Was invited to join the Laurentides regional selection in the U14 category to participate in the Festival des Régions.
He reached the second evaluation phase for the CF Montreal pre-academy.
Studies in 1st year of secondary school in the sports-studies program at École Saint-Gabriel in Sainte-Thérèse.
Sam is interested in science and technology. He aspires to become a doctor.
Maïté Kenline / 1st Ali Gerba Foundation scholarship
13 years old – Saint-Léonard-d'Aston / Centre du Québec region
2000 $
Joined the ranks of his club's AAA team in Victoriaville.
Played for the Centre-du-Québec U14 team at the Quebec Games Finals in Laval in July 2022.
Studies in 2nd year of secondary school in the sports-studies program at École Marie-Rivier in Drummondville.
Maïté plans to balance university studies and soccer with the goal of becoming a doctor.
Dmytro Nazarenko / Ringleaders Club's 1st Scholarship
14 years old – Repentigny / Lanaudière region
2000 $
He helped his team defeat the CF Montreal pre-academy team in an exhibition match.
Studying in 2nd year of secondary school in the sports-studies program at Félix-Leclerc School in Repentigny.
Dmytro is passionate about his sport and dreams of playing professionally or becoming a coach.
Janie Pelletier / 1st Patrice Bernier Foundation Scholarship
12 years old – Cantley / Outaouais region
2000 $
Has reached the fourth phase of CF Montréal's Regional Discovery Program.
Plays with the boys in his school's sports-studies program.
Studies in 1st grade secondary in the sports-studies program at École polyvalente Nicolas-Gatineau.
Janie wishes to continue her academic journey through university and study in a field that will allow her to work in professional sports.
Aaliyah Picquet / 1st scholarship from the Ringleaders club
13 years old - Rigaud / Montérégie region
2000 $
Scored 19 goals last season even though she was out of her league.
Played in the sports-studies program with the girls from grades 9, 10, and 11.
Studying in 1st year of secondary school in the sports-studies program at École Chêne-Bleu.
Aaliyah would like to become a coach or a television commentator for soccer matches.
Benoît Legrand Tapoko Kahou / 1st scholarship from the Ringleaders club
14 years old – Laval / Laval region
2000 $
Was selected for the Quebec Youth Soccer Premier League (PLSJQ) team from the two clubs in his region.
Bronze medalist with the Laval U14 team at the Quebec Games Finals in Laval in July 2022.
Studies in 2nd grade at the sports-studies program at École Georges-Vanier in Laval.
Benoît Legrand sees himself as a coach, journalist, analyst, or sports commentator. He also wants to get involved with Soccer Quebec and Soccer Canada, in addition to working in real estate.
About the Patrice Bernier Foundation
The Patrice Bernier Foundation supports the former captain of the Montreal Impact in his various philanthropic endeavors: the «Patrice Bernier and Friends» futsal benefit match, his role as an ambassador for sportsmanship for the Quebec government, and the Patrice Bernier Fund.
About the Ali Gerba Foundation
The Ali Gerba Foundation is committed to mentoring young people through sports. It uses the skills and experiences of the former Canadian national team player to guide young people throughout their soccer journey and to become tomorrow's leaders.
About the Ringleaders Club
Founded in April 2006, Ringleaders Football Club is a community-based club in Montreal. It forms a unique collective of 120 creative-minded members who share a common passion for life and football. It is nourished by each individual's inspiring ideas and cultural beliefs.
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.
For more information: fondationaleo.ca as well as the official Aléo Foundation pages on our platforms:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
– 30 –
For interview requests or other information, please contact Josée Robitaille at josee.robitaille@fondationaleo.ca.
For more information:
Marie-Eve Desrochers
Director of Philanthropic Development
Aléo Foundation
514-252-3171, extension 3931
marie-eve@fondationaleo.ca
