Montreal, July 16 2024/ The Ascension Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Montreal, is officially launching its operations just in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting high-level Quebec amateur athletes by offering individualized support, monetary grants, and access to businesses that offer free or discounted products and services.
 

Offering Athletes Support in Quebec

The Ascension Foundation is the first in Quebec to provide free individualized support to amateur athletes. The Foundation is committed to advocating for diversity and inclusivity, aiming to support para-athletes, women, visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
 

Addressing the Financial Strain Athletes Face

According to the Government of Canada (1), top amateur athletes earn an average of $29,000 annually while incurring expenses of over $50,000 in living costs, training and competing. This results in an average annual debt of nearly $22,000. In addition to dedicating 34 hours per week to their sport, athletes face costs for travel, competition fees, accommodation, coaching, health services, equipment, and more. It is not uncommon for athletes to skip international competitions due to financial constraints, and some even abandon their sports careers altogether.
 

Bridging the Financial Gap

The Ascension Foundation aims to bridge the financial gap for the thousands of high-level Quebec athletes. "We want to make a significant impact on the lives of amateur athletes," says Sophie Bouchard, President and CEO of the Ascension Foundation. "Athletes dedicate themselves entirely to their passion, and we aim to help them by reducing, if not eliminating their financial worries. These extraordinary individuals deserve to focus solely on their sport."

 

The Foundation believes that providing support will improve sport performance and visibility, inspiring people of all ages to become more active. 

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Supporting Champions

The Ascension Foundation already supports six Quebec athletes through its personalized services:

• Jordan Pierre-Gilles – Short Track Speed Skating, Team Canada, Gold Medalist at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games.

• Sabrina Poulin – Rugby, Team Canada, Participant at the 2024 Pacific Four Series.

• Olivier Desrosiers – Fencing, Team Canada, Competitor at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Men's Sabre Team.  

• Marc Gélinas – Fencing, Team Canada, Ranked Fifth in Canada.

• Corinne Fréchette – Rugby, Team Quebec East and Laval University.

• Myriam Djouaher – Short Track Speed Skating, Team Quebec, Part of the 2023 RBC Future Olympians through the RBC Training Ground.
   

Athlete Testimonials

"As a high-level athlete for over seven years, I am aware of the growing demands of training and competitions," says Jordan Pierre-Gilles. "Meeting these needs without compromising our training schedule or energy is challenging. The Ascension Foundation makes the difference between good and optimal preparation. I am excited to see this project help athletes like me achieve world and Olympic titles. The Ascension Foundation resonates with my values, and I know it will help me succeed."

"This is just the beginning of the Ascension Foundation, and it has already helped me in various ways by finding businesses willing to support high-level athletes. I am excited to see what the future holds and how much support it will provide us!" declares Corinne Fréchette.
 

"Over the past few months, I have felt a lot of support from the Ascension Foundation," shares Olivier Desrosiers. "I am confident that it will help me in my athletic journey as the Foundation grows. Being affiliated with an organization that turns dreams into reality is essential, and that is exactly what the Ascension Foundation does."

Call for Support

The Ascension Foundation is actively seeking monetary donations and sponsorships to fund the first cycle of semi-annual grants in October. Additionally, the Foundation hopes to award recognition grants to Quebec athletes who performed well at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Foundation is also looking for business partners and companies willing to provide athletes with free or discounted products and services.

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About
The Ascension Foundation, a non-profit organization created in 2024, supports high-level Quebec amateur athletes by offering individualized support, monetary grants, and access to businesses that provide their products and services for free or at a discount. For more information, visit www.fondationascension.ca.

For more information
Sophie Bouchard
President and CEO
sophie@fondationascension.ca

(1) 2019-20 status of the high performance athlete : final report / prepared for Sport Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage, https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.888785/publication.htm