The 2nd annual Desgagnés Montréal-Quebec Kayak Challenge saw 150 kayakers paddling from Montreal to Quebec City from August 18 to 21. The large kayak event raised $110,000 in support of an NGO.
Kayakers paddled for four days to raise funds for Jeunes Musiciens du Monde, an NGO offering free music education to at-risk-youth. The 265-kilometer-long event is the largest of its kind in the province.
Organizer Mathieu Fortier says a highlight this year was the excellent weather that allowed participants to complete the whole course. During the inaugural challenge last year, strong winds on Saint-Pierre Lake forced paddlers off the water during the afternoon of the second day. Fortier says this is the first time since the 17th century that such a large group managed to paddle the distance between the two cities.
For next year, Fortier says organizers will continue learning and acting on logistical aspects that can be improved. He also says they will do more to encourage participants to be diligent in their physical training beforehand to best perform during the four days of intense paddling.
Jeunes Musiciens du Monde offers free musical training and coaching to more than 900 at-risk-youth in four regions of the province. Their work is based on the conviction that if given encouragement and attention, these young people have the potential to grow into dynamic adults who can positively impact their communities. Why does Fortier think this cause is so important to Kayak Challenge participants? He believes any sane person who feels concerned about the welfare of less privileged kids would be proud to invest time and energy in order to make a difference.
Learn more about the challenge here.
