Who else but Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, a former student of André-Grasset college, to inaugurate the Desjardins sports complex? His unexpected presence, but so symbolic, should place the new facilities under the best auspices.

The locker room of the Phoenix football players, team Laurent Duvernay-Tardif played for, will henceforth bear his name. “A great honour,” said the sportsman, who underlined the quality of the expansion and modernization work carried out.

After two years of construction that cost approximately $15 million, the new sports center has undergone a real facelift. It now includes a gymnasium with hardwood floors and bleachers, a fitness room, an athletic therapy clinic and a study room. All this on an area of ​​nearly 70,000 square feet.

The College wanted to acquire high-calibre training facilities and tools to promote the physical and mental health of its 1,200 students.

Patrick Caron, Director General of André-Grasset College

Awaited for twenty years, this refurbishment was funded to the tune of $5 million by the Quebec Ministry of Education, as part of the Support Program for Sports and Recreational Facilities – Phase IV of the Fund for development of sport and physical activity.

“This inauguration confirms that our government is taking action to increase accessibility to infrastructure for the entire population,” said Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education, in a virtual speech. We are fortunate in Quebec to benefit from many sites that give everyone the opportunity to practice physical activities of all kinds. Projects like the Complexe sportif Desjardins allow sports enthusiasts to enjoy quality, safe and attractive facilities, while contributing to the vitality of our communities.”

Added to this support is that of the Fondation du Collège André-Grasset, the community of former students and many other donors, including the Desjardins Groupwhich offered a contribution of half a million dollars.