Jean-Pierre Champagne: A Man with Heart

Simply talking with Jean-Pierre Champagne, you’d never guess he just turned 72. His energy and passion are contagious. Ironically, it’s his long list of achievements in the world of sport that reveals his age.

Jean-Pierre Champagne is a devoted enthusiast of physical activity. It’s no surprise he serves on the Board of Directors at the Centre Multisports, chairs the organizing committee of the annual Grande Vadrouille, and is one of the co-founders of the Vaudreuil-Dorion Athletics Club. But surprisingly, running wasn’t always second nature to him.

“When my wife was pregnant with our first child, I decided to quit smoking. I didn’t want to gain weight, so I started jogging. I had played baseball and hockey for years, but this was my first time running. I fell in love with it,” he recalls.

That love affair continues to this day—and now, he’s made it his mission to pass it on to the next generation.

A Different Approach

A proud member of the local Optimist Club, Jean-Pierre has always believed in supporting young people—not just through sport, but with values. In 2001, he helped found the Vaudreuil-Dorion Athletics Club, which today welcomes between 60 and 90 young runners annually.

But don’t mention medals around him.

“It’s a mistake to evaluate a young athlete based on medals. What matters is progress,” the coach explains. “You didn’t make the podium, but you improved your personal time? That’s perfect—you progressed. To me, that’s a much more sustainable way to keep young people active. Performance pressure drives them away. There are plenty of examples.”

He’s proud of the work done with these young athletes and of their individual successes.

A Gift from the Sky

Jean-Pierre remembers the early days vividly:

“When the club started, training was strictly outdoors. We’d run near Château Vaudreuil. I even remember once being asked by the police to vacate the Chenaux overpass! Then the Centre Multisports arrived.”

Today, athletes have access to high-quality facilities, especially during the colder months. The Centre’s creation also helped retain local talent who might otherwise have left to train elsewhere.

“It wasn’t easy for local athletes back then,” he says simply.

The Real Value of Sport

At 72, Jean-Pierre has no plans to slow down. His motivation is clear: the next generation will shape the future. That’s why he believes in equipping them with the right tools—and sport is one of them.

“We all know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. And to stick with a sport, you need determination and ambition. The energy you gain from sport translates to all areas of life. That’s why young people must find joy in movement—because that passion stays with you.”

It’s hard to argue with a passionate man who speaks with both wisdom and heart—especially when he’s right.