Canada's
largest outdoor winter event will take place on the Plains of
Abraham from February 17 to 25—fun
for the whole family.
QUEBEC
CITY, Feb. 15, 2024 /CNW/ - The countdown is on!
The 20th Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life officially kicks
off on Saturday, February 17, with
more than 5,800 athletes of all levels taking part. Canada's largest outdoor winter event goes
until February 25 and will feature
some 20 challenges, plus activities for the whole family on
Quebec City's Plains of
Abraham.
The Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life is more than the five
sports that are its claim to fame (cycling, running, skating,
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing)—great fun awaits participants
of all ages. Take your pick of activities: from games played on
snow, Ultimate frisbee, a Ninja course, tobogganing, trying out
sports equipment, biathlon (archery and snowshoeing) presented by
Décathlon, ice sculptures by Sèveline Beauregard, entertainment,
shows, festive 4 to 6 musical Saturdays (February 17 and February
24) and hot beverages to keep spectators warm!
The spectator experience gets even
better this year
Spectators will find new ways to enjoy themselves! They'll be
greeted by a brand-new path that opens up great vistas where they
can take in each sporting event in total comfort. We're building
raised cheering areas that will offer heat or shelter from the wind
in addition to the big tent where we welcome
participants. There's also a new bike course that promises
more thrills and climbs than ever before, including the notorious
Gilmour Hill!
Look out: the Solotech Night Run on Snow returns on Thursday, February 22, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Participants decked out in headlamps and fluorescent or luminous
accessories get to tour the Plains of Abraham on a snow-covered and
groomed course at nightfall.
"We are delighted to witness how far Pentathlon des neiges has
grown since its founding 20 years ago. In 2005, 60 participants
took part in the first race in Lac-Beauport. That figure soars to 5,800 this
year on the Plains of Abraham. Even in our wildest dreams, we never
thought the Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life would grow to
become Canada's largest
outdoor winter event! We're celebrating our 20th
anniversary, and we're thrilled to see that participants come back
year after year and that a whole new generation is taking over and
making this event a real annual Quebec tradition!" said Jean-Charles Ouellet, founder and board member
of Groupe Pentathlon.
"What a pleasure to celebrate the 20th anniversary of
the Pentathlon des Neiges with an exceptional program including a
host of new features. Our government is proud to financially
support the organization of this event, which generates incredible
enthusiasm every year towards the winter charms of the region,
while encouraging citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle. I invite
families, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in the
races and activities. It's great to live in the National Capital
Region!" stated Jonatan Julien,
Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Minister responsible
for the National Capital Region.
"I am delighted that the government is supporting the
organisation of the Pentathlon des Neiges, a sports event that
promotes the National Capital Region as a prime tourist
destination. This competition, which welcomes thousands of athletes
of all levels, helps make the region a must-visit for winter
tourism. I warmly invite participants and their families, as
well as their friends, to fully enjoy their stay in the beautiful
city of Quebec to discover the
attractions and activities that bring it to life during the cold
season," added Caroline Proulx,
Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière
region.
For her part, the Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation,
and Outdoor Recreation, Ms. Isabelle
Charest, is delighted to see the Pentathlon des Neiges
continue its mission. "Every opportunity offered to the population
to get active, get some fresh air, and socialize with friends is a
golden opportunity that must be supported with all the energy
necessary. I invite all citizens of Quebec City and the surrounding area to
participate in its various activities and I thank the organization
for their expertise and commitment towards physical activity."
"This year, I'm competing in all five events. Why? Because we're
lucky to have one of the world's finest sporting events here at
home, with our spectacular scenery in the background. We embrace
our Quebec City
winter—we celebrate it 110%. Winter doesn't scare us! Every
year at the Pentathlon des neiges, the young meet the young at
heart, professional and amateur athletes compete side by side, and
many others come to check it out. This event brings people together
year after year. We're proud to host it here. Unique events like
this one make Quebec City the most
active city in Canada. A huge
thank you to the whole organization for making this event more
accessible than ever. Good luck to all participants!" said
Bruno Marchand, Mayor of
Quebec City.
"For 20 years, the Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life has been
synonymous with passion, determination, and surpassing oneself. At
Sun Life, these values inspire us every day. We're proud to return
for a second year as title partner of this iconic Quebec City event. The engagement of 12 Sun
Life teams of employees shows our deep commitment to promoting
health and wellness. We'll see you on site for a memorable 2024
Pentathlon," said Robert Dumas,
President and CEO of Sun Life Quebec.
"The Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life will bring people
together more than ever and be accessible to everyone,
regardless of age or athletic ability. I'm inviting everyone
who loves winter to come have fun with us, to watch thrilling
competitions, and to be part of the action with family, friends,
and colleagues. I want to thank everyone who, like me, will
participate in this year's Corporate Challenges to help promote
youth wellness and physical activity!" said Alex Harvey, spokesman for the Pentathlon des
neiges Sun Life, who will compete in three events this year.
Our fantastic partners
Groupe Pentathlon would like to acknowledge the commitment of
its valued partners who make it possible to hold this great event,
including our title partner Sun Life, as well as Canac,
Décathlon, Eye Am Soins Oculaires & Esthétiques, Quoi Faire, Microbrasserie des Beaux Prés,
Location Beauport, Mitsubishi Sainte-Foy et Quebec City, Solotech, Vidéotron,
WKND 91.9, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, Destination Quebec cité, The
City of Quebec and the National
Battlefields Commission.
Full event details are available on the Pentathlon des
neiges Sun Life website.
About the Pentathlon des neiges
Sun Life
The Pentathlon des neiges first took place in Lac-Beauport in 2005 and moved to Quebec City's Plains of Abraham in 2008. This
unique event is sanctioned by Triathlon Quebec and billed as the
world's largest multi-sport winter event. Pentathlon des neiges
athletes compete (solo, tandem, or as a team) in several
disciplines—cycling, running, cross-country skiing, skating and
snowshoeing—without stopping. The Pentathlon des neiges is
organized by Groupe Pentathlon, a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to develop innovative and high-impact sporting events
that bring people together and provide enriching emotions and
experiences.
Sun Life in the
community
Sun Life is sustainability-driven, focusing on areas where
it can have the greatest impact. We help build positive
environments for Sun Life Clients, employees, advisors, and
shareholders by actively supporting the communities where they live
and work. Physical and mental health are at the centre of
Sun Life's philanthropic efforts. We focus on supporting
programs and organizations that strive to help Canadians live
healthier lives no matter where they are in their journey.
Sun Life employees and advisors take great pride in
volunteering and giving back to make life brighter for individuals
and families around the world.
Learn more about Sun Life in the community.
Media Contact:
Sun Life:
Ariane Richard
Manager, Public Relations, President's office, Quebec
T. 438 364-6807 /
ariane.richard@sunlife.com
Pentathlon des neiges Sun Life:
Josée Massicotte
C. 514 915-0511
joseemassicotte@gmail.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada