The community of Granby and the surrounding area definitely did not miss the meeting. In its third presentation, the Sports Festival attracted both the most seasoned and the curious looking for an opportunity to burn off energy and spend some good time under the sun. There were children, parents, couples and even elders.
“The event is really in full swing. The weather is nice and people are there to enjoy it!”
— Fanny Geoffrion, communications agent for Granby Multi-Sports
More than twenty activities were offered free of charge on the large grassy site. It was a great opportunity to discover the programming of Granby Multi-Sports, at the head of the activity, and to meet its passionate partners. In addition, people could try out the rental equipment at the Roger-Bédard pavilion, so they could come back and enjoy it all summer long.
On a portion of land, in the company of experts in the field, we could try biathlon (i.e. running and laser shooting), treasure hunting, skateboarding, electric cycling, pétanque, volleyball beach, mini-tennis, soccer and disc golf.
And we indulged in other free activities elsewhere on the site. Generations played badminton, basketball, boot hockey and spikeball. They put on roller skates and enjoyed games of pockets and pucks together. On Lake Boivin, water sports enthusiasts could try canoes, paddleboards and kayaks.
Water sports were also in the spotlight at Lake Boivin. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
Interesting fact: the festival helped launch ParticipACTION’s big Together, we move challenge, which encourages people to practice sport and leisure in June. The Canadian city at the top of the ranking wins the title of the most active community in the country, in addition to receiving a $100,000 prize dedicated to local sports projects.
Remember that in 2022 and 2023, Granby ranked in the top 10 of the most active Quebec cities. By participating in the sports festival, guests had the opportunity to raise their community’s score to make it the most active city.
Long live pétanque
They attracted attention during a friendly pickleball match held last year at the same venue. The Granby elected officials did it again, this time taking part in a round of pétanque at around 2 p.m. in front of the mentors and very attentive eyes.
Despite good friendships, pride and competitive spirit were felt.
Mayor Julie Bourdon took part in a friendly pétanque match between elected officials. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
“Who to watch? Pétanque is a French sport, so advisor Catherine Baudin could surprise more than one person. One thing is certain, I wouldn’t bet on myself! We are there to have fun,” admitted Granby Mayor Julie Bourdon.
Joking aside, the elected official praised the holding of an intergenerational event which focuses above all on the discovery of sport and healthy lifestyle habits. The objective of the big festival is to learn to move in a friendly, family and fun environment, quite simply, according to her.
These older people had fun playing pockets. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
That said, we would be tempted to classify pétanque among the sports practiced mainly by older people. But we saw the opposite at Daniel-Johnson Park. Holding the activity made it possible to introduce families and even young people to the leisure activity and its rules.
“This is a great unifying event! Near the fields, there are older people who like pétanque, but I saw little ones take up the boules and try the experience earlier. It’s wonderful,” confided Gérard Poisson, an experienced fan and player.
Time to fight
The acrobatics probably marked this version, courtesy of the staff of the Aspirants de Granby wrestling school. From 1 p.m., we held a class in front of the general public. The young and wiser then had the chance to ride on the ring. All in anticipation of a family show presented by three professional wrestlers.
“It’s an excellent activity and the sporting diversity is very present on the site! We are happy, since this is a first presence for us in front of the festival public,” said Frédéric Robert of the Global Entertainment Wrestling (GEW).
In addition to staged sports, there was musical entertainment, mascots, inflatable games, street food and thematic kiosks. By responding to an on-site survey, festival-goers also had the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Montreal Alouettes’ opening game, held on June 20.
The inflatable games amused several faces. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
Given the enthusiasm and popularity, the tradition does not seem to be disappearing any time soon. Remember that the meeting attracted around 2,500 people last year.
“It is too early to determine a precise number in terms of ridership, but we are within expectations. At the start of the afternoon, we can say that we have already crossed the threshold of 1000 people present,” concluded Fanny Geoffrion, visibly proud of the result.
