Thursday March 31 2016 – Spokesperson Yann Perreau and Young World Musicians unveil the details and programming of the second edition of the Desgagnés Montréal-Québec Kayak Challenge.
In the summer of 2016, 250 kayakers will have the chance to paddle the St. Lawrence River from August 18 to 21! In the company of its partner, Groupe Desgagnés, Jeunes musiciens du monde is proud to announce that the Montreal-Québec Kayak Challenge is positioning itself as the largest kayak trip in the world!
“For years, I have been involved with Young Musicians of the World, an organization that does extraordinary work to make a difference in the lives of more than 1,000 young people through music. Last year, during the first edition of the Défi kayak Desgagnés Montréal-Québec, I had such exceptional and unforgettable moments, that it seemed obvious to me that I had to repeat the experience again this year. This summer, we will paddle in large numbers for the youth of Quebec! “, says Yann Perreau, spokesperson for the Kayak Challenge.
The Kayak Challenge is first and foremost a fundraiser for Young World Musicians. By taking up the challenge, each participant will allow a young person from Quebec to receive free music lessons for one year. The goal this year is $200,000 for Young World Musicians.
A possible challenge for everyone!
Designed in collaboration with kayaking professionals, the challenge is accessible to everyone, kayakers or not, as long as they prepare and are in good physical shape. The challenge can be done in relays (32.5km/day) or in full course (65km/day).
The kayakers will paddle 250km to Quebec City via Sorel-Tracy, Trois-Rivières and Portneuf. It is at Baie de Beauport, on August 21 at 5 p.m., that our kayakers will celebrate their challenge and fundraising.
Mathieu Fortier, co-founder of Jeunes musiciens du monde and instigator of the challenge, congratulates Yann Perreau on his dedication and has high ambitions for this second edition. “We are very happy that Yann Perreau is with us on the river for the benefit of Young World Musicians this summer. Yann is a very talented artist and believes that music can change the course of a lifetime. The Kayak Challenge raised more than $107,000 for JMM youth in 2015. After having gathered more than 140 participants last year, we are confident that we will welcome 250 kayakers this summer for the largest kayak trip in the world! »
As the first official presenter, Groupe Desgagnés, wanted to reinforce its commitment to the Kayak Challenge: “The mission of Jeunes musiciens du monde to enable young people from high-risk backgrounds to develop through music is perfectly in line with our motto of always being proud of what we do to always be proud of who and what we are. Desgagnés is proud to partner with Jeunes musiciens du monde to present the Défi kayak Montréal-Québec. “said Louis-Marie Beaulieu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Desgagnés.
They are in addition to the Desgagnés Montréal-Québec Kayak ChallengeAmong the kayakers, a few well-known figures will be on the river in 2016, including Louis-Marie Beaulieu, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Desgagnés, Gaétan Boivin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Trois-Rivières, Claude Bernatchez, host at ICI Radio-Canada première Québec, and Jean-Sébastien Massicotte, outdoor columnist at Le Soleil. In addition, the internationally renowned chef and co-owner of Le Saint-Amour Restaurant, Jean-Luc Boulay, will join the kayakers in Trois-Rivières for the last 2 days of the challenge.
Concerts under the Belle-Gueule stars
Renowned Quebec artist Alex Nevsky will be in Trois-Rivières on August 19 to present a new show, exclusive to kayakers. Two other artists will be added to the program for the stops in Sorel-Tracy and Portneuf. “Belle Gueule beer is proud to offer kayakers these most festive and warm moments. “said Philippe Jaar, Vice-President and General Manager of Brasseurs RJ.Conditions of registration
– Registration on the website: www.defikayak.org ;
– The 250 participants will commit to raise $2000 each in donations for Young Musicians of the World;
– Jeunes musiciens du monde provides the training program, logistics, transportation, meals, security and concerts at three stops;
– Kayak manufacturer Boréal Design and other suppliers will rent boats and safety equipment at preferential rates to all participants who do not have them;
– One-day training for beginners ($130 extra/person).
In short, the partners of the Défi kayak Desgagnés Montréal-Québec
“RBC Royal Bank is very proud to be associated with such a dynamic event as the Desgagnés Kayak Challenge. We are committed to getting involved in this project in order to demonstrate our commitment to the youth of Quebec. With the Kayak Challenge, participants are invited to experience an incredible human experience, as they travel from Montreal to Quebec City,” said Luc Bisaillon, Senior Managing Director, National Business Group, RBC Royal Bank
“Participating in the Défi kayak Desgagnés Montréal-Québec means discovering the St. Lawrence River from a totally different perspective and in a setting where everything has been planned to facilitate the adventure, in addition to helping Young World Musicians,” explains Gaétan Boivin, President and CEO of the Port of Trois-Rivières.
Desgagnés Montreal-Québec Kayak ChallengeThe Défi kayak Desgagnés Montréal-Québec is for the benefit of the Jeunes musiciens du monde organization. More than a sporting event, this kayak trip is a dive into our history, a link between us and our ancestors of Aboriginal and European origin. It is also a human experience focused on surpassing oneself. By taking up the Challenge, the kayakers will allow Jeunes musiciens du monde to continue its action in the community. www.defikayak.org
Groupe Desgagnés affirms its confidence
Groupe Desgagnés is a Quebec conglomerate that stands out for the quality of its maritime and land operations. Its head office is located in Quebec City and its subsidiaries are represented in major Canadian ports, the Middle and Lower North Shore regions and the eastern Canadian Arctic. Groupe Desgagnés has decided to commit for a period of 5 years with the challenge. www.groupedesgagnés.com
About Young World MusiciansThe Young Musicians of the World organization aims to ensure the full development of young people from popular backgrounds by offering them free music lessons, musical expression activities and personalized support. Each of the schools is located in an environment where socio-economic problems are numerous and where the supply of cultural activities is largely insufficient. www.jeunesmusiciensdumonde.org
-30-
Information:
Antoine Léveillée
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Young World Musicians
418-525-5400 ext. 224
Virginie Deschambeault
Director of Communications
Port of Trois-Rivières
819 378-2887, ext. 207