Advertisement

Athletes kick off opening of Saint-Laurent sports complex

Click to play video: 'New sports complex designed to encourage kids more opportunity'
New sports complex designed to encourage kids more opportunity
WATCH: A professional football player and an Olympic medalist were on hand today as hundreds of children tested a brand new sports complex in St-Laurent. Felicia Parillo was also on hand for the kickoff – Aug 18, 2017

It’s not every day that you get to play one of your favourite sports with a famous athlete.

But on Friday, a few dozen lucky kids got a chance to do just that.

Former Montreal Alouettes player Matthieu Proulx and Olympic medalist, Josée Bélanger, spent the morning running drills at the Saint-Laurent Sports Complex.

It’s all part of their role as brand ambassadors for the new building.

“It’s our first opportunity to come out here and play with the kids, see the infrastructure, and kick off the opening ceremonies of the opening of the sports complex here in St. Laurent,” said Proulx.

Outside of the Saint-Laurent sports complex on Friday, August 18, 2017. Felicia Parrillo/Global News

The athletes say sports complexes like these will motivate kids and teens to play sports and help them live an active lifestyle.

Story continues below advertisement

“I’m hoping to see them, everywhere in the province,” said Belanger. “I think it’s so great because it encourages kids to do sports. If you think of the soccer pitch or the pool here, it’s something fun to come and play.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Dorval celebrates opening of new aquatic centre and sports complex

The new complex has a soccer field, gymnasium, basketball court, and an indoor pool, which comes equipped with a lane for people with reduced mobility.

Saint Laurent’s mayor, Alan DeSousa, says the new building gives kids more opportunity.

“Hopefully, it will keep kids off the streets, it’ll allow them to succeed in sports, and it’ll allow them to get better,” said DeSousa. “And down the road, I would not be surprised if you might see, emanating from St. Laurent, future champions, at whatever discipline that may be, at all the levels possible.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices