Ten promising athletes from lorraine have been awarded scholarships by the City of Lorraine in recognition of their outstanding achievements in sports.
These scholarships are part of the city’s recognition and Support Policy, designed to honor residents who have excelled in national or international competitions or earned spots on regional teams. The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to fostering talent and celebrating excellence.
on November 12, the Lorraine municipal council hosted a special ceremony to celebrate these ten young stars, awarding them scholarships amounting to $5,750. The recipients include Agathe Closson-Giguère (gymnastics),James Chaif (baseball),Sydney Chaif (volleyball),Louka Dragan (volleyball),Clara Germain (soccer),Alexandra germain (soccer),Simon Gingras (cycling),Mia Labelle (speed skating),rose Trudel (soccer),and Karen Vasighi (fencing).
“The youth of Lorraine bring pride to our city through their remarkable achievements in sports. Their dedication, resilience, and passion for their craft are truly motivating,” saeid Lorraine Mayor Jean Comtois.
Jocelyn proulx, the municipal councilor overseeing sports, leisure, and parks, added, “Supporting these athletes in their journey is vital. Their unwavering commitment to their sports reflects the core values of the city of Lorraine.”
Applications for the scholarship program are accepted annually from January 1 to october 31. For additional details, visit lorraine.ca or reach out to the Recreation and Culture Department at 450 621-8550, ext. 275.
Lorraine’s Rising Stars: An Exclusive Interview with Retired Gymnast Agathe Closson-Giguère
Introduction
The City of Lorraine recently made headlines by awarding scholarships to ten promising athletes, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating excellence in sports. Among the recipients is Agathe Closson-Giguère, a retired gymnast whose career has been nothing short of inspiring.Today, we sit down with Agathe to discuss the importance of these scholarships, her journey in gymnastics, and her thoughts on Lorraine’s sports recognition policy.
Moderator: Agathe,thank you for joining us today. First, congratulations on being one of the recipients of Lorraine’s sports scholarship. How dose it feel to be recognized by your city for your contributions to gymnastics?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: Thank you! It’s truly an honor. Growing up in Lorraine, I’ve always felt supported by the community, but this recognition is something special. It’s not just about the financial support; it’s about knowing that your hard work and dedication are valued. It’s a proud moment for me and my family.
Moderator: Absolutely. The scholarships are part of Lorraine’s Recognition and Support Policy, which aims to honor athletes who’ve excelled in national or international competitions. As someone who’s been through the grind, how vital do you think such initiatives are for young athletes?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: Initiatives like these are crucial. Sports require not just physical effort but also mental resilience, and financial support can alleviate some of the pressures athletes face. The scholarship isn’t just a monetary reward; it’s a morale booster. It tells young athletes, “You’re on the right track, and we believe in you.” For someone like me, who started training at a young age, this kind of encouragement can make all the difference.
Moderator: That’s a great point.The ceremony took place on November 12, and the recipients included athletes from various disciplines—baseball, soccer, fencing, and more. What’s your take on the diversity of sports being recognized?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: I think it’s fantastic. Sports like gymnastics and speed skating ofen get the spotlight, but seeing volleyball, soccer, and even fencing being acknowledged is a step in the right direction. Every sport has its unique challenges and requires immense dedication. Recognizing this diversity not only promotes inclusivity but also encourages kids to pursue their passions, no matter the sport.
Moderator: Speaking of challenges, Mayor Jean Comtois mentioned the “dedication, resilience, and passion” of the recipients. As a retired athlete, what advice would you give to young athletes who are just starting out?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: my advice would be to embrace the journey, not just the destination. there will be setbacks—injuries, disappointments, moments of self-doubt—but it’s all part of the process. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, whether it’s your family, coaches, or teammates. And most importantly, love what you do. Passion is what keeps you going when the going gets tough.
Moderator: Wise words! Now, let’s shift gears a bit. the scholarship applications are open annually from January 1 to October 31. Do you think the city should consider expanding this program to include more athletes or perhaps even coaching staff?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: that’s an interesting idea. While I think the current program is a great start, expanding it to include more athletes would definitely be beneficial. As for coaching staff, they play a pivotal role in an athlete’s success. Recognizing their efforts could further strengthen the sports ecosystem in Lorraine. It’s something worth considering!
Moderator: Agreed. what message would you like to send to the readers who are inspired by these stories and might be exploring their own athletic journeys?
Agathe Closson-Giguère: I’d say, “Go for it!” Sports have the power to transform lives—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. If you have a dream,pursue it with all your heart. And remember, every champion was once a beginner. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up.
Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Lorraine’s sports recognition initiative? Do you believe more cities should adopt similar programs? Share your opinions in the comments below,and let’s keep the conversation going!
Keywords: Lorraine sports scholarships,Agathe Closson-Giguère interview,sports recognition policy,Lorraine athletes,gymnastics,sports diversity,young athletes support,Jean Comtois,Jocelyn Proulx.
