Jeux de Montreal is back, 3,000 young athletes competing until Sunday

Jeux de Montréal is back for its 48th edition at Centre Claude Robillard, with 3,000 young athletes aged 6 to 12 competing in 15 disciplines.

“I think I was around nine years old when I competed at the Jeux de Montreal and it really is like a little micro-Olympic games because it’s multi-sport,” said Jacqueline Simoneau, Olympian and spokesperson for Jeux de Montréal.

“You get your shirt where you represent your home’s smile, you feel part of a team, and you’re not only cheering on people from your sport but from different sports all across these different sport complexes. So it’s really a fun experience and you really feel altogether as one united as a team.”

For some, it’s a chance to experience their first competitive event – and it’s happening across 10 venues in the city until Sunday.

“When you finish the game and then we’re all happy that we won!” said Finn Schöttle, a handball player.

These games offer a unique chance to discover the thrill of competition, while helping young athletes develop essential values like teamwork and perseverance.

“I like that we’re together and that it’s a team sport so that we can encourage each other and be with each other so we’re not just alone,” said Audrey Moller-Bissonnette, a handball player.

Spectators can also enjoy three fan zones filled with free activities—and some little ones even had the chance to try skateboarding and scootering for the first time!

Simoneau who is a triple Olympian and world champion in artistic swimming is one of two spokespersons of the event alongside elite gymnast and Pan American champion, Félix Dolci.

“Sport is an incredible vehicle for self-improvement. Watching these young athletes fully invest themselves in their first competition is an endless source of inspiration. The Jeux de Montréal gives them a unique opportunity to create lasting memories and adopt an active lifestyle. I’m very proud to contribute, once again this year, to this event that inspires the next generation of athletes,” says Simoneau.

“I was diagnosed with a celiac disease at the age of nine and back then it was quite difficult for me to do sport. I felt like I was discouraged to do otherwise to really take it easy when that first diagnosis took place,” Simoneau explained. “If I had a message to share to young ones is to really, if you find a sport that you love doing don’t hesitate to go there and try that. You don’t have to strive to be at an Olympic level right away. If you love what you do, that’s what matters.

“I just love to see the excitement in the kids’ faces when they compete, when they’re cheering on their teammates. I’ve already here just looking at the fencing event. You have little ones cheering on people from their team but also the other person’s team. It’s just a fun event to be a part of.”