For the second year running, the team at the Altius Physio physiotherapy clinic invited the public to take part in the Altius Physio Challenge in aid of the Paul-Leboeuf Foundation. The event was held at the Centre de la nature Quatre-Saisons in Coteau-du-Lac on Saturday, October 19, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. 

The event attracted both seasoned runners and those new to the sport. A total of 200 people took part in the event, which raised funds for the Paul-Leboeuf Foundation. 

“The idea for the Altius Physio Challenge came from the clinic's founder, Éric Boucher. Éric has many great challenges under his belt, including having run from Montreal to Quebec City to raise money for cancer,” explained Charlène de Grosbois, Clinical Coordinator at Altius Physio, as we approached the starting line. 

Three trail courses were available to participants, covering distances of 1, 4 or 10 kilometers. 

“Twenty children under twelve took part in the 1 km race. For the corporate challenge, 24 teams were registered to represent 15 companies in the region. Some companies had more than one team on the circuit. Each participant received a microchipped bib on arrival, enabling Sportstats to time the runners in real time. Each participant also received a medal. We're very pleased to have more or less the same number of runners starting this year as last year,” adds Ms. de Grosbois. 

Running for youth

Like the first edition, the Altius Physio 2024 Challenge aims to raise funds for the Paul-Leboeuf Foundation. Last year, $11,500 was donated to the organization. “We donate 100% of the funds to the Foundation, and we hope to exceed last year's amount,” said the coordinator.

This year, the 2nd edition of the Altius Challenge raised $11,000 for the cause. Based in Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot, the Fondation is the philanthropic arm of the Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, which each year welcomes hundreds of campers with special needs.

Founded over 30 years ago, the Fondation Paul-Leboeuf's mission is to support the Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima by ensuring the progress of adapted services and the sustainability of its facilities.

“Why was the Altius Challenge created? Firstly, because it fits in perfectly with our corporate values, which are to promote healthy lifestyle habits and the importance of daily physical activity to stay in shape. Secondly, because the cause is very close to our hearts. As the father of five healthy children, Éric Boucher felt he owed a debt to life,” explained Ms de Grosbois. 

As for Éric Boucher, he had only good words for his colleague who was the cornerstone of the Altius Challenge, Charlène de Grosbois. “She now sits on the Board of Directors of the Paul-Leboeuf Foundation. Since the inception of the Altius Challenge, she has put her heart and soul into the organization. I'm very happy for her because her efforts and commitment to this organization have been recognized. I'm very satisfied with the day. The weather was on our side and people were happy,” he concluded.