Champlain Township honoured two citizens for their athletic contributions to the community and beyond on Thursday, June 27.
At that evening’s council meeting, Mayor Normand Riopel presented Inspirational Athlete Awards for 2024 to para cyclist Joey Desjardins and alpinist Patrick Lalonde.
Desjardins, who recently won the national para cycling championship, was paralyzed from the chest down due to a dirt bike accident in 2009. Just six months after learning to move again, he purchased his first adapted bike. He was inspired to begin para cycling in 2012 when he met Rick Hansen, best known for his 1986 Man in Motion tour around the world by wheelchair. Desjardins represented at the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021. The local community has rallied around Desjardins in support of his athletic career. He is often seen cycling along rural roads in Champlain Township.
“We recognize Joey Desjardins not just for his impact on para cycling, but also for his impact on the community,” Riopel said.
Lalonde, a physiotherapist by profession, is an accomplished alpinist, or mountain climber. In 2023, he appeared on the cover of Alpinist 84 magazine during a challenging ascent he made of Mount Katahdin in northern Maine. Lalonde is also an avid runner and skier. His love of running and commitment to community has been demonstrated through starting the annual La Baie Run in L’Orignal, which has raised more than $130,000 for the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital Foundation.
“Alpine climbing is a profound passion for Patrick,” remarked Riopel.
Lalonde’s love of climbing began while living in Western Canada.
Riopel also referred to Lalonde’s work as a physiotherapist and the role it plays in helping others in the community.
