Hop In, We’re Taking the Multisport Caravan
One Year of Active Outreach
As part of Horizon 2035—an initiative aiming to foster healthy living in Vaudreuil-Soulanges within a generation—the Multisport Caravan Desjardins was launched to help bring movement and wellness directly to citizens through three pillars: Local Sport Animations, the Multisport Hub, and the Mobile Caravan itself.
Nearly one year after it hit the road, the Caravan has already energized parks, day camps, and events throughout the region. Over the 2015 summer season, the Caravan visited multiple locations, engaging youth and adults alike with obstacle courses, fitness sessions, and interactive sports games—all designed to foster movement and community spirit.
“The idea is to provide a unique experience with fun, inclusive activities,” explains Mélissa Boisjoli, Multisport Coordinator.
Now, with warmer weather on the horizon, the team is refining the upcoming season’s programming based on feedback gathered during last year’s outings. Around ten key regional events and numerous day camps are on the schedule, with full or half-day visits tailored to each host.
In partnership with local municipalities, the Centre Multisports is offering camps a dynamic sporting alternative that emphasizes fun and discovery.
Finding Future Talent
In alignment with the Local Sport Animations pillar, the Caravan helped launch two winter programs in Saint-Zotique and Coteau-du-Lac. For a modest fee, youth played indoor soccer and floor hockey in 12–15 week sessions. The Centre aims to replicate this model elsewhere with the help of municipal partners.
Beyond those two sports, new recreational programs in basketball, mini-volleyball, judo, and cycling are also being prepared for 2016.
Sustainable success depends on strong synergy between the Centre, municipalities, and community. In the future, companies and schools will also be invited to join this travelling sports movement—which will grow as far as the community drives it.
Voices of the Caravan’s Partners
MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges – Philippe Roy
"Quality of life is a top priority for our region. The Caravan is a creative and effective way to reach citizens, especially youth, in more remote areas. It complements our efforts under the rural pact to enhance active living."
CAL-VS – Alain Belleville
"CAL-VS has long promoted healthy lifestyles. With the Centre Multisports, we now have a shared platform to advance those goals. Personally, sport shaped my life—it took me from local volleyball coaching to national and international competition in Europe."
Desjardins Vaudreuil-Soulanges – Pauline Thauvette-Leroux
"The Caravan aligns with our core values of education and health. That’s why we supported it with a $25,000 investment. One of our staff, Pierre-Alexandre Tremblay, is a three-time Ironman—proof that our team lives the values we promote."
Avantage Ford Île-Perrot – Giovanni Evangelista
"When we saw this project was for everyone, we got on board. One of our employees began training at the Centre and transformed his life. It inspired us all. Personally, sports like soccer and floor hockey have always played a big role in my life, and I plan to get back into them soon."
VIVA Média – Marie-Andrée Prévost
"We believe in active living for all. The Caravan is a great way to make that lifestyle more accessible. I joined the ‘We Are Vaudreuil-Soulanges’ team for the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie, and although a bike crash ended my season, I’m determined to get back on the saddle—and finish that 1000 km ride."