The 57th Quebec Games has come to a thrilling conclusion, and the Laurentides region has left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape. With an outstanding cumulative haul of 48 medals – 19 gold, 10 silver, and 19 bronze – the Laurentides delegation secured a well-deserved third-place finish in the overall standings.

Throughout the competition’s second phase, the Laurentides athletes demonstrated their prowess in a variety of disciplines. They seized the top position in golf and boys’ volleyball, secured a solid second place in synchronized swimming, boys’ soccer, and mountain biking, achieved an admirable fifth place in girls’ baseball, and showed their prowess in girls’ soccer, girls’ volleyball, and sailing, respectively finishing eighth and ninth.

The grand finale unfolded on a nail-biting Saturday, with the boys’ soccer team engaging in a penalty shootout against the formidable Montreal team. The outcome saw the Laurentides clinching the silver medal after a valiant effort, with the match ending 4-2 in favor of Montreal after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Among the girls, the Orange and Black team battled fiercely but ultimately faced a 2-1 defeat against the Lanaudière team, showcasing their relentless determination and competitive spirit.

The synchronized swimming team, particularly in the 15 and under category, earned a spot on the coveted second step of the podium. This achievement was further magnified by the exceptional performance of the duo comprised of Alex-Anne Hurtubise from Blainville and Clara Crevier from Saint-Colomban, who proudly secured fourth place. Notably, the Orange and Black synchronized swimmers proved their dominance by claiming two out of three gold medals at stake in the games held in Rimouski, the Capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent.

In golf, Lucas Cardozo-Baigné from Blainville secured gold in the male juniors’ stroke play event, while Zackary Vincent from Mirabel clinched silver among the bantams. On the girls’ side, Vicky Li from Lorraine secured an admirable fourth place among the juniors. Despite a stroke of bad luck, exemplified by a slip on a wet hill due to rain, 12-year-old Jérômienne Mylee Murillo Beaudoin showcased commendable resilience, ultimately finishing just one stroke away from the podium.

The laurels continued to pour in for the Orange and Black contingent with their triumph in volleyball. The boys’ team emerged victorious, securing the gold medal after a riveting final against Richelieu-Yamaska representatives. The Orange and Black team showcased their prowess in a nail-biting three-set match that ended with a scoreline of 25-20, 22-25, and 15-8. Leading up to the final, the team exhibited their dominance by eliminating the Chaudière-Appalaches teams and the Outaouais team in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.

On the flip side, the girls’ volleyball team faced a challenging journey, battling their way through fierce competition. Despite a valiant effort, they were defeated by the Estrie team in the quarter-finals. In the consolation semi-final, the girls engaged in a tense three-set match against the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean representatives, ultimately falling short with a scoreline of 25-12, 18-25, and 16-14.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Laurentides girls’ baseball team suffered a narrow 6-5 defeat in the eighth inning against the Richelieu-Yamaska team during the quarter-finals. Although the provincial tournament concluded with a fifth-place finish, their dedication and resilience shone through every moment of the match.

Above all, these impressive results underscore the pivotal role played by coaches, families, and the entire sports community in bolstering these young athletes. Their unwavering support and encouragement have propelled these boys and girls, all under the age of 18, to deliver their utmost on the playing field. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to their dedication, discipline, and determination – qualities that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.