Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin congratulated the event’s organizers and said Sherbrooke was proud to have hosted such an inspiring event for Quebec’s youth. Photo by William Crooks
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The organizing committee of the 58th Finale of the Jeux du Québec-Sherbrooke 2024 (COFJQ) has announced it surpassed its objectives related to the legacy of the multi-sport event, held March 1 to 9.
The region’s athletes, sports organizations, institutional partners, and the community will benefit from the funds raised. The Games brought together 2,500 athletes aged 12 to 17 who competed in 19 disciplines across 10 sports venues in Sherbrooke.
“The 58th Finale of the Quebec Games was a mobilizing and inspiring event for our youth. As residents of Sherbrooke, we can be very proud to have hosted athletes and participants from across Quebec in such an exceptional manner. A huge thank you to the organizing committee, partners, volunteers, and everyone involved in this unforgettable adventure!” said Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of Sherbrooke, at a May 13 press conference in City Hall.
“The success of the 58th Finale was obviously based on high-level competitions and services, but also on ensuring a lasting legacy. We worked hard to ensure this event leaves a positive impact on Sherbrooke. We are very happy with the results,” emphasized Jocelyn Proulx, Executive Director of COFJQ-Sherbrooke 2024.
A sum of $400,000 dedicated to the legacy was already included in the event’s budget, but the final amount exceeded these expectations.
Legacy of the 58th Finale of the Quebec Games:
– Canada Games 2013 Legacy Fund: $875,000
– Material Legacy to 12 Sports and Institutional Partners: $150,000
– Sherbrooke Sports and Leisure Fund: $50,000
– Major Renovations to Rock Forest Recreation Center: $5 million (Quebec Games Infrastructure Support Program, Ministry of Education)
– Mobilization of 2,500 volunteers, with over 775 expressing interest in future events in Sherbrooke
An economic impact study conducted by the firm Mallette at the request of the organizing committee revealed economic benefits amounting to $19.8 million.
The organizing committee sincerely thanks the members of its board of directors, SPORTSQUÉBEC, the City of Sherbrooke, the Quebec government, Kruger, Desjardins, all its national and regional partners, and its valuable volunteers for their contribution to this event, which will forever mark the history of Sherbrooke.
The organizing committee also gave special thanks to the following institutional partners without whom this event would not have been possible: Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Bishop’s University (BU), Cégep de Sherbrooke, Collège du Mont-Sainte-Anne, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Conseil Sport Loisir de l’Estrie, and Excellence sportive Sherbrooke.
Matt McBrine, the director of sports at BU, expressed his gratitude to members of the organization for their excellent coordination. He emphasized that the success of the Games should be measured by the experiences of the athletes and their families.
McBrine noted that they surpassed all expectations and highlighted the growth of sports in Sherbrooke since the Canada Games in 2013. He praised the city for its impressive support and all of the Quebec regions for their participation.
“I hope we can continue as a group of sports enthusiasts, working together and investing in sports in Sherbrooke,” McBrine said.
“Certainly, you can count on my support and that of Bishop’s University.”