Encouraging the practice of sports

This year, the camp will be open from the 29th of June to the 28th of August in the renovated premises of the St. Marguerite-Bourgeoys church on Elgar Street. Camp personnel will welcome children from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. A daycare service is available from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Each week, there will be four days dedicated to various activities and one day will be spent for an outing; for example, visit the zoo, play tennis or do wall climbing.

Art and expression sessions are also planned for four to six-year old participants. They can also opt to learn how to ride a bike. Because many six-year olds registered for the camp, Mr. Fidalgo was convinced that a group specifically for this age group be established. Other groups of seven to nine year olds and ten to twelve year olds also exist. The new programme for young monitors enables the 13-14 year old age group to serve as camp counselors or aides.

Introduced to the camp as a two-week pilot project last year, the soccer concentration class has proved to be a worthwhile endeavour. “The camp offers four weeks with Mickael Bachelier, a FIFA trainer and physical preparation expert”, announced Enrique Fidalgo.

Physical preparation is also included in camp activities for younger children. “Motor skills and motivation are promoted so that young people can engage in sports after they leave the camp”, Mr. Fidalgo explained.

He also said that rallies and bike races will again be offered in the programme as well as long walks on bike paths. Two table tennis tournaments are planned and visits from athletes and specialists will be featured so that kids learn more techniques from the pros.

“The Île-des-Soeurs sports camp grows every year. For the last eight years, it has grown weekly from 25 to 120 kids, of which 75% live on the island”, the founder pointed out. He has however decided not to increase fees. The result? Places have been reserved and are almost full. “The camp is already 50% full, especially for July, thanks to pre-registration sessions”, Mr. Fidalgo said.

Registration sessions will be held on Saturdays – April 25, May 2 and 9, from 10:00 am to 12 noon in the island. The location will be announced each week in Le Magazine. For more information, call 514-996-6164 or visit the camp’s web site at: www.campsportifids.com.