We see from left to right: Michel Angersmayor of Shawinigan; Lucie De Bonsmunicipal councilor for the Rocher district; Jonathan L’Heureuxbrother of Patrice L’Heureux; Jean-Yves Tremblaymunicipal councilor for the Les Hêtres district and member of the Commission on Leisure and Community Life; Louis-Jean Garceaumunicipal councilor for the Boisés district and president of the Toponymy and Civic Recognition Commission.
Inauguration of the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Center
Shawinigan, Thursday, May 2, 2024 – The City of Shawinigan today inaugurated the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Center, previously known as Saint-Jean-Bosco (located at 1580, 10e Avenue, in the Grand-Mère sector). This name change honors a Shawinigan boxer who left his mark on the Quebec boxing world by becoming Canadian heavyweight champion in 2004.
The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives of the six community organizations tenants of this center. Dozens of members of Club Xboxe, including some who had the chance to meet Patrice L’Heureux and even train with him, were also present.
“A community center is a unifying place. It was important for my council colleagues and I to rename this place in honor of a local personality who shined in our community and throughout the country. It’s also a nice nod to do this today, because it’s National Sports and Physical Activity Day, a theme that is close to our hearts in Shawinigan,” underlines the mayor, Michel Angers. .
“We wanted to recognize the journey of a great sportsman who marked the imagination of the Shawinigan population in the field of boxing. I would like to thank Jean Ricard, of Club Xboxe, who submitted this request, and all the members of the municipal council and the Commission for this greatly deserved civic recognition,” adds the municipal councilor of the Boisés district and president of the Toponymy Commission. and civic recognition, Louis-Jean Garceau.
“Patrice was proud of his roots, proud to be from Shawinigan. I am very grateful that the City has offered this honor to my brother,” says Jonathan L’Heureux. “He is a great example of resilience, because beyond appearances, my brother believed in his abilities and knew what he was capable of! »
About Patrice L’Heureux (1972-2018)
Boxer from Shawinigan, Patrice L’Heureux won the Canadian Boxing Championship in the heavyweight category in 2004, a title which had not been won by a Quebecer since the 1960s. His professional record stands at 24 victories in 30 outings. Beyond the victories and defeats, the boxer nicknamed “Granite” became a darling of boxing fans in the mid-2000s, thanks to his charisma and his heart in the ring.
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Source :
Eve Chamberland
Communications and Citizen Relations Department
City of Shawinigan
819 536-7200 | [email protected]
