April 26, 2013 (Montreal, QC) – Ms. Danielle Légaré, Head of Social Involvement at Loto-Québec, revealed the names of the 15 athletes supported by the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) who shared $42,000 in bursaries as part of the 2013 Loto-Québec Bursary Program. The presentation took place in Loto-Québec’s Zone d’essais sportifs at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex during Défi sportif Altergo competitions, of which Loto-Québec is a Gold-level sponsor.

Philippe Bédard (wheelchair tennis), Maude Bergeron (boxing), Alexandre Carrier (paracycling tandem), Marie-Ève Croteau (paracycling), Sophie Gagnon (hockey) and Maude Jacques (wheelchair basketball) received $3,000 bursaries in the Excellence category .

In the Elite category, Francis Hébert (para-athletics), Josée Lamothe (boccia), Charles Leclerc (wheelchair rugby), Jean-Philippe Maranda (para-athletics), Philippe Ouellette (para-swimming) and Francis Vallée (wheelchair basketball) received $3,000 bursaries.

The $2,000 Hopeful category bursaries went to Alexandre Courcelles (wheelchair basketball), Maxime Olivier (para-swimming) and Sabrina Pilon (goalball).

The objective of Loto-Québec’s program, which is now in its sixth year, is to support athletes with physical disabilities in their quest for excellence on the provincial, national or international scene.

Loto-Québec is particularly pleased to present this year’s 15 recipients, who were all nominated by their respective sporting federation, seven of which received financial support from Loto-Québec for the first time. “It’s important for Loto-Québec and the Foundation to support these athletes at a very early stage in their career so they can experience the emotions of international competitions, work towards challenging goals and reach rewarding standards of excellence.” Ms. Légaré said.

The bursary program is managed by the FAEQ in collaboration with various sports federations and associations benefitting athletes with physical disabilities: Parasports Québec, the Association québécoise de sports pour paralytiques cérébraux, the Association sportive des sourds du Québec, the Association sportive des aveugles du Québec and some single sport federations.

Claude Chagnon, President of the FAEQ, is pleased with the 2013 Loto-Québec Bursary Program that supports inspiring athletes who pulled themselves together after a serious illness or a tragic accident: “Now in its 6th year, the Loto-Québec Bursary Program has acquired great credibility and is well-known throughout the Québec sports community. These athletes are true models of strong character, willpower and resilience for their peers and Québec’s sports community.”