Three words come to mind when describing Centre du Sablon; belonging, accessibility and inclusivity. This community center, located in Chomedey, offers a variety of sports or social activities for all ages and interests. Are you between 0 and 99 years old? Plenty of activities await you! Discover all the different programs and services at Centre du Sablon.

A place for everyone
Centre du Sablon used to be a YMHA but was purchased by the City of Laval and reopened under the banner of Centre du Sablon. Numerous volunteers helped to make that happen and keep the mission of the “Y” alive. Today, the centre offers the Laval community a variety of sports, community and cultural leisure activities.

Centre du Sablon like to say that its members are between 0 and 99 years old. “In fact, our oldest member is 98 years old!” says Angela Faraoni, General Manager at Centre du Sablon. Having been involved in community work and a former figure-skating trainer, Faraoni combined her two interests by taking on her current role in 2014.

Centre du Sablon strives to be a community and sports centre serving the entire Laval community, regardless of age. “I’m proud to say we’re a family-oriented centre where our members feel a sense of belonging, and we continue to evolve based on what’s trending and the needs of our community,” says Faraoni.

Something for everyone
Swimming lessons, a gym, sports lessons, basketball, karate, yoga, and aqua-baby are just a few of the many activities offered at Centre du Sablon. Community and cultural activities include painting lessons, piano lessons, English lessons, dance courses, theatre and robotics. The variety is vast and there is something for everyone of all ages. All offerings and services are bilingual, and the centre is also accessible for individuals with reduced mobility.

With the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Centre du Sablon is not compromising the health and safety of its members. All public health measures are implemented and respected. “From a logistical perspective, we’re able to offer about 75 percent of our usual activities with capacity reduced to 50 percent,” says Faraoni.

Centre du Sablon also offers many programs for children and teens, as well as a preschool. There are three day camp periods; summer, winter and during the spring break. The winter day camp allows children to play sports and games both indoors and outdoors, such as swimming, arts n’ crafts, theatre, sledding, snow-shoeing and more!

The centre also offers sports workshops and swimming lessons adapted for special needs, including a social skills program for children.

Sablon-Fit
Sablon-Fit is a fitness centre in a community centre environment. “Those who come to train here feel more comfortable and secure compared to other training centres. We’re like a big family,” says Faraoni. In addition to the expected equipment you’d find in a typical gym, Centre du Sablon also offers physical therapy equipment. It’s the only gym in Laval to have this type of equipment. “We have a partnership with the Laval Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, so patients can come to train at our centre with a team of kinesiologists.”

It’s no wonder Sablon-Fit’s motto is ‘A gym that goes beyond pumping iron’.

One big family
One thing is for certain; anyone who visits or becomes a member of this community center will undoubtedly feel that sense of belonging.

If you’d like to become a member of this big family or for more information, call 450-688-8961 or visit the website at centredusablon.ca.