When we asked Jean-François Girard, organizer of the Parcours des Héros, what would be the word to best describe the event, he said, “Touching.” This is a great way to set the tone for the day, which will take place on September 7 at Centre de la Nature in Laval.

“The Parcours des Héros is an event organized by Laval police officers to benefit the Quebec Special Olympics,” explains Jean-François Girard. “This organization allows people living with a developmental disability to flourish through sport. The Parcours des Héros is a sporting event that involves young people with an intellectual disability as well as several members of the community.”

More specifically, the event is a five kilometre Spartan race obstacle course. The level of difficulty of each course is adapted to participants, who must form teams of four and be associated with an athlete from Quebec Special Olympics.

The race participants come from a variety of backgrounds. “We have police officers from Laval and several neighbouring cities, firefighters, paramedics, business people and friends,” continues Girard. The atmosphere is warm because “the goal is not to pass the tests as quickly as possible, but to finish them all together. Each participant is a winner.”

On the four years since the event began, it has raised $120,000 to benefit Quebec Special Olympics athletes. “The funds raised during the event help put sports and health programs in place for athletes living with an intellectual disability,” explains Girard.

In addition to the obstacle race, which is the central event of the day, several other activities are planned to entertain friends and families who have come to encourage the athletes. “We will have a course for young people. There will also be a show of the master dogs of the Laval police. Animation and music will complement the day, which is in itself an extraordinary experience,” explains Girard.

Finally, the fourth edition of the Parcours des Héros will include some new features. “The course has been revised this year and surprises await the participants,” Girard explains. In addition, spectators will be entitled to two cheerleading shows; “one performed by young people with an intellectual disability and the other, by young cheerleaders,” says Girard.

When and Where Will the Event Take Place?
The fourth edition of the Parcours des Héros will take place on September 7, 2019 at Centre de la Nature from 8 am to 3 pm.

How You Can Donate
To encourage a team to reach its goal, you can make a donation via the Quebec Special Olympic’s website; olympiquesspeciauxquebec.ca, under the Parcours des Héros tab. You can also make a donation directly to the Quebec Special Olympics Organization under the Les amis des Olympiques Spéciaux tab.

Finally, you may also sponsor the event by contacting Jean-François Girard directly at; j-f.girard@laval.ca.