Last Sunday, the inauguration of the highly anticipated new basketball court was held at Goyette-Hill Park. The event brought together nearly 200 people from all generations of Sutton under magnificent sunshine and in a certainly joyful, sporty and creative atmosphere! Back in pictures of this beautiful celebration.
An important addition to our sports facilities
The Town of Sutton is very proud of the addition of this new sports field to the community’s infrastructure. The official speeches, which were held at noon to mark the event, highlighted the importance of meeting the needs of our young people, particularly adolescents.
Mr. Jonathan Fortin, deputy general manager of the Town of Sutton, recalled the history of the project. In 2022, thanks to the great mobilization of the community, Sutton was crowned the most active community in Quebec during its participation in the Challenge Together, everything is better from ParticipACTION. The $15,000 prize she won allowed her to partially finance the basketball court, which cost a total of about $60,000. Mr. Fortin took the opportunity to mention the remarkable work of the recreation, community life and culture department as well as that of the public works and capital assets department to carry out this project.
Ms. Marie-Josée Auclair, municipal councilor for district 2, spoke on behalf of the council, in the presence of Mayor Robert Benoît, Councilor Lynda Graham and Councilor Marc-André Blain. She explained the council’s motivations for bringing this wonderful project to fruition: the Town of Sutton not only has the physical activity of young people at heart, but it also wants to give them a place and a voice in the community. These orientations are reflected in the policies, actions and commitments of the Town of Sutton.
The addition of priority infrastructure and activities for adolescents is in fact part of the 2023-2027 Action Plan of the Families and Seniors Policy. As part of updating this policy, young people were consulted in 2022, directly at Goyette-Hill Park. The addition of a basketball court was named among their needs and aspirations for parks and public places. Ms. Auclair also recalled that the construction of the new basketball court is one of the clear commitments made by the City when obtaining certification in 2023. Child-friendly municipality.
Big success of the friendly competition
From 11:30 a.m., each person was invited to register for the friendly competition planned in the program. Two matches took place:
- Young people aged 13 and under opened the competition with a twenty-minute match, 4 against 4, where many baskets were scored. The match was friendly, collaborative and inclusive with players of all levels!
- After a short break, a second match followed for those aged 14 and over, at 5 against 5. This game of around 30 minutes was very lively, to the great pleasure of the spectators. Young people who played the previous match even joined in the game, tireless!
In total, more than 20 players competed in a great sporting spirit on the field! Participation prizes were awarded to participants who left with basketballs, caps or chocolates.
Congratulations to all the brave basketball players: we really have talent in Sutton!
A festive and lively atmosphere
Throughout the event, a DJ added a festive atmosphere. Music accompanied the many players of all ages who took advantage of the basketball court before and after the competition.
Alongside the friendly sports games, the young people and families present were invited to decorate pumpkins. Art materials as well as pumpkins of all sizes were made available to them and the results demonstrate their creativity. A great preparation for Halloween!
Everyone present at the park was also able to take advantage of the magnificent fall day to taste tasty hot dogs served by Sutton Brouërie: Oktoberfest and vegetarian sausages, coleslaw, homemade condiments… a real feast offered free of charge by the City, at the same time as drinks, fruits and raw vegetables.
We would like to thank everyone who was present for this wonderful festive, sporting and creative afternoon. If you haven’t already done so, we invite everyone to discover the new basketball court!
