Défi sportif AlterGo set to host over 6,000 athletes this spring in Montreal

The 42nd Défi sportif AlterGo, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, is set to welcome more than 6,000 participants from April 25 to May 4 across four venues in the Greater Montreal area.

Athletes of all ages and skill levels—from promising newcomers to elite competitors—will take part in 10 adapted sports, including the highly anticipated return of wheelchair curling and blind hockey.

“We’re excited, we’re ready to go and ready to prove who’s game this is!,” said Jason Yuhas, assistant captain of  Canadian national blind hockey team. “I first got into blind hockey in 2017. I just found out about it through some family members and went to my first event in Alberta, which is where I’m from, and I’ve been a part of it ever since.”

Blind hockey is an adapted version of ice hockey – it uses a hollow, metal puck filled with metal balls that make noise, which helps athletes with a visual impairment be able to play.

“I found out about this wonderful sport called blind hockey,” said Kelly Serbu, captain of Canadian national blind hockey team. “And then in 2016, I played my first tournament in Toronto, and then was hooked ever since. A lot of people that come watch this sport I think are going to be extremely surprised to see how quick it is on the ice. We play with an adaptive puck and a few other rule changes, but other than that, it’s your traditional game of hockey.”

Competitions will be held at Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard, Howie-Morenz Arena, Centre sportif Édouard-Montpetit in Longueuil, and Centre des Glaces Gilles-Chabot in Boucherville.

“It is with great pride and anticipation that we officially announce the programming of the 42nd Défi sportif AlterGo,” said event director Nathalie Lavergne. “We can’t wait to see these athletes in action and to witness their talent shine.”

Also returning this year is a revamped school sports program, featuring the comeback of team sports—an important platform for youth development and inclusion.

“It amazes me that what they could actually achieve on the ice, considering their own seat,” said Hugo Girard, spokesperson for Défi Sportif. “You know, obviously, I couldn’t see myself doing this. So, somehow, it actually showed me and teaches us that we have all no limits, you know. We set those limits, what they’re going to be. And obviously, they set themselves no limits.”

Défi sportif has been hosting events for 42 years now, but this year’s edition is the first time they’ve welcomed blind hockey – and to kick it off Canada and the US will faceoff.

“When you have a chance to participate in Montreal, in Quebec or in Canada, you represent your nation, your province, that’s awesome for the sport and it’s awesome for the athletes too,” said Maxime Gagnon, CEO of Altergo.

The Défi sportif AlterGo continues to be a launchpad for future Paralympians and a celebration of sport’s power to inspire and unite.

“It feels awesome,” said Yuhas.”There’s really nothing like representing your country, so this is our sixth international series against the US, so it’s always good to play them and compete against them.”

While winning is always the goal, the team’s captain says brightening the spotlight on blind hockey is also a victory of its own.

“Hopefully if anything, we’re going to inspire other people out there that have a disability, or have a challenge within life, whatever that may be, that, you know, they don’t give up, they continue to fight for their dreams,” said Serbu. “And kids that are watching us, that they know that notwithstanding the fact that they may have a vision issue, that hockey is still for them, and hockey is for everyone, and they can still play the sport at a high level.”