Laval honours young athletes

Montreal Canadiens legend Yvan Cournoyer was the guest of honour on Nov. 24 as the City of Laval paid homage to all the young people who excelled in a wide range of sports in the past year, during the annual Mérite sportif lavallois ceremony held in the Théâtre Marcellin-Champagnat at Collège Laval.

Recognizing excellence
Addressing the many proud parents and friends who came out to cheer the young winners, Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt called the Mérite sportif awards “one of the most important moments during the year in our city, because it’s when we recognize the excellence and the success of our young athletes.”

Learning experience
Noting that it’s never easy to be an athlete and that it calls for a lot of sacrifice, the mayor said the young people who follow through to the end learn the value of commitment and the enjoyment that victory brings. At the same time he praised the many parents who encourage their children in their athletic pursuits, as well as the coaches and trainers who help it all come true.