Three Major Events in Quebec
Heading towards Tunisia and the Future
The summer will culminate with the 54th French Scrabble World Championships in Tunis, from July 18-26, 2026. A delegation of around thirty Quebecois, including twenty elite players, will compete against the best representatives from the global Francophone community.
Quebec is already confirming its role as a global leader by preparing to host the 58th World Championships in 2030, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of FQCSF.
Quote
"Scrabble is an exciting mental sport that combines cognitive development and socialization. It is an intergenerational hobby accessible to all, allowing individuals to surpass themselves while learning. In clubs, it promotes motivation, learning, and becomes a real human adventure."
— Mr. Pierre Bergeron, President of FQCSF
Highlights
Source and Information:
Pierre Bergeron, President of FQCSF
Phone: +1 (418) 657-6953
Email: pierre.bergeron@fqcsf.qc.ca
Websites: www.fqcsf.qc.ca | www.fisf.net
Available for Interviews (by phone or in person).
Regional spokespersons available upon request.
These three victories allow France to finish first in its group and qualify for Qualifying Round 2 of Euro 2026. The draw for Round 2 (League A and League B) will take place on December 11, 2025, at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon. This was Roxanne Bolduc's second selection with the U19 team, following her debut in October during the two friendly matches against Spain, the defending champion.
“Every time I hear the national anthem, I realize the privilege I have to wear this jersey. The group of girls and coaches is amazing. There is so much talent among my teammates. I believe I have never seen such a close-knit team, both on and off the field. This is the second camp we have spent together after the one in October: it's perfect for getting to know each other better. About my performance, I know I can do even better and correct some things. I'm already working on it since my return to Villarreal. There are always sequences we'd like to relive, that's part of sports. The most important thing is the collective result, and these three victories were wonderful to experience.” – Roxanne Bolduc
Profile and Journey of Roxanne Bolduc
Born on December 24, 2007, in Saint-Hyacinthe (Quebec, Canada), Roxanne Bolduc holds dual Canadian and French nationality. Now living in Spain with her family since 2021, she is playing this season with Villarreal CF, with whom she has a contract for the next two years. At just 17 years old, switching between the first team and the reserve team of Las Groguetes, she is considered a young talent of European soccer in her position.
Originally trained in Quebec from the age of 5 (Vallee du Richelieu Soccer Club, ARSRY Richelieu-Yamaska, AS Montis, Ascalon St-Georges), she moved to Spain at the age of 13 and played for the following teams:
First Selection with the National Team
Roxanne Bolduc received her first call-up to the French U17 team in September 2023. In a friendly match in Northern Ireland, she played 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory against the host country in Belfast.
Website: https://roxannebolduc.football
Representation Agency: Wasserman Football
Contact:
Ingrid Bourgeois
(Quebec) 450 536-3419
(France) 07 49 23 91 10
infos@bolle.ca
After several months of careful analysis, the selection process concluded on January 17, following the final presentations before the selection committee. The choice was difficult, demonstrating intense and healthy competition between the two candidate areas. Following the conclusion of the process, the Corporation wishes to thank the City of Sorel-Tracy for its journey, evolving at each stage. With the municipality's development vision, SPORTSQUÉBEC acknowledges its capacity to host a Jeux du Québec Finale.
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The Race from the Driver’s Seat (extracts)
"The race tonight (Saturday) was not easy for me as I struggled with the #24 Canac | Quincaillerie Richelieu truck’s serious understeer throughout the race. The team made major set-up changes twice, but that did not fix the problem. The time lost working on the suspension during the end-of-segment pit stops dropped me to the back of the field but happily still on the lead lap. Over the last few laps, my right front tire was again used up. I tried to keep it as cool as possible for the last overtime restart and drove the last two laps "aggressively" to get the most out of what I had to work with. We are happy with eighth place under the circumstances," said Raphael Lessard.
Date: Saturday May 1st, 2021
Event: Wise Power 200
Track: Kansas Speedway (Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)
Race format: Three stages of 30 | 30 | 74 laps
Start | Result: 15th | 8th (140 in overtime of scheduled 134-lap race)
Winner: Kyle Busch – KBM (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
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In only his second full season in NASCAR trucks, Raphael Lessard now knows how to control his machine in the turbulence at high speeds, how to protect his position while studying the behaviour of the drivers around him, and how to set up his overtaking moves according to his anticipation of the situation unfolding before him. The 2020 season and the beginning of 2021 have allowed him to become a driver who is now in contention for top-10 finishes and even a win at every outing in his GMS Racing-prepared truck.
Raphael Lessard Talks About Kansas Speedway
“I'm ready for Kansas! I liked the track when we raced there in 2020. There is a lot of room on the track, and we can drive high or low on the banking. We run at full throttle for a long time there so we need perfect traction in the rear so we can open the throttle as early as possible on corner exits. The track is very technical in terms of aerodynamics and you have to plan your overtaking carefully so you can pass the other truck in one quick sweep and not lose time. My last race on a 1.5-mile track was at Atlanta this past March. I am sure that my Canac | RichelieuHardware truck will be in the mix for a top-10 finish with a good chance of a podium,” explained Raphael Lessard.
"We will display a logo on the Canac | Richelieu Hardwaretruck to thank our supporters during the race. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, who have made this adventure possible over the years. NASCAR racing gets more intense every year and I owe a big thank you to all of you for your help!” added Raphael Lessard.
Event: Wise Power 200, race 7 of 22 (225 miles over three segments of 40 | 50 | 60 laps, for a total of 150 laps)
Track: Kansas Speedway (Kansas, United States – 1.5-mile banked oval)
Date | Live TV & Radio: Saturday May 1st at 7:30 PM (EDT) on RDS, FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR 90 radio
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
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Raphael Lessard fought successfully in the top-5 over the first 50 laps of the race and in the top-10 during the first 180 laps, collecting precious bonus points in the first two segments by finishing both of them in 7th place. Following the caution period on lap 187, several incidents occurred: an error in the pits dropped Raphael Lessard to the middle of the field, and a driver he was trying to pass caused an incident that forced him to enter the pits in order to straighten the left side fenders. In the end, Raphael Lessard crossed the finish line in 23rd place.
The Race As Seen by the Driver (extracts)
"I was confident in my Canac truck at the start of the race. We believed that a top-5 or better finish was well within reach, especially with the great set-up the team was improving on during the stops. The truck was even running better and better in the longer segments.
We stopped late in the race to fit new tires in anticipation of overtaking rivals who had stopped early. Everything was going well until a team mistake in the pits cost me positions. We started from 21st position and then a competitor damaged the left side of my truck. It was a frustrating end to the race," said the unhappy driver of the #24 Canac Silverado.
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 1:30 pm
Event: Toyota Care 250
Track : Richmond Raceway (Virginia, United States – 0,75 mile oval)
Fprmat: Three stages of 70 | 70 | 110 laps each
Start | Result: 5th | 23rd (covered 249 of the 250-lap race)
Winner: John Hunter Nemechek – Kyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
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Raphael Lessard Racing team members are working to find the necessary financing to participate in all 22 races of the season.
"We are well prepared for Richmond this weekend. This is my second race at this track, and the experience I gained over the 2020 season will allow me to drive faster and to quickly adapt my driving to the behaviour of my #24 Silverado CANAC truck over the race distance. The track surface is hard on the tires and I have to drive smoothly to protect them. I am comfortable on a short track like Richmond with its low banking in corners 1 and 2. The entrance to turn 3 is almost flat and you have to be careful when braking not to slide the rear tires, which wears them out too quickly. My CANAC truck will be fast and I'm sure it will be great for the race," says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.
Event: Toyota Care 250, race 6 of 22 (250 laps in three segments of 70 | 70 | 110 laps – 187,5 miles)
Track: Richmond Raceway (Virginia, United States – 0.75 miles)
Date | Live TV & Radio: Saturday, April 17 at 1:30 pm (EDT) on RDS, Fox Sports Racing, FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90
**RDS and RDS DIRECT digital network present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
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Race Action
After setting the fastest time in the first practice session on Friday (March 25), Raphael Lessard and his #24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado set the 16th fastest time in the final practice session, on a track close to what the race would be run on. This was a promising lap time for a driver with no experience on this surface where the driving and suspension settings are totally different from those on asphalt in order to react effectively to the changing surface of the dirt track on every lap.
Starting from 29th on the grid for the Monday race, as per NASCAR's calculations based on the team's results, Raphael Lessard began his irrepressible march to the front of the race, marked by his 15th place on his first pit stop on lap 40 and by his 8th place on his second pit stop on lap 90. He then finished on the podium by tenaciously defending his third place which he had reached on lap 123 of the 150-lap event.
The GMS Racing team knew how to prepare an exceptional truck for Raphael Lessard, the same truck that had won on the dirt in 2019 in the hands of Stewart Friesen. The team gave their driver a truck with proven potential, and the driver made the team proud.
The race as seen by the driver (extracts)
"Third place and a first podium this year, I am happy. I was already feeling good with the quickest and then 16th time in Friday's two practice sessions with good dirt racers around me, like Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe. I started the race from way back, but the quick drivers around me also wanted to move up to the front. I had to follow them, which I did in the race until they were eliminated, or I passed them.
Mud blocked my radiator at the start of the race and the engine temperature rose to over 300o F. The numerous yellow periods (at least 8) and the two pit stops allowed me to cool the engine down a bit. The team was able to add water and remove the dirt on the second stop, and the engine temperature returned to 220o F for the third stage. We were lucky because I thought the engine was going to fail.
"After the second stop, with the engine now healthy and with reasonable handling on the increasingly slippery track, we were in a good position to keep attacking. I worked with different lines and braking distribution to reduce the load on the right front tire so we didn't lose too much time in the last few laps. I managed to overtake other good drivers as I moved up to the leaders. The truck was losing grip in the corners and I worked hard to protect my position until the end of the race," explained the driver of the #24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado who was delighted with his stellar performance.
Next race – Richmond Raceway – April 17, 2021
The NCWTS returns to normalcy for their next event, which will take place on the 0.75-mile oval of Richmond International Raceway (Virginia, United States).
Date: Monday, March 29
Event : Pinty’s Dirt Track Race
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile oval)
Format: Three stages of 40 | 50 | 60 laps
Start | Finish: 29 | 3 (completed the 150-lap race)
Race Winner: Martin Truex Jr. From the KBM team (Toyota)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
819.448.6514 – jmenard@caissiemenard.com
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Driving on dirt is quite different from driving on asphalt, where the track changes gradually over the course of the race with temperature variations and the build-up of oil and tire debris. On dirt, corner entry is usually a big slide to slow the car down. The loose track surface and the quick line changes on every lap, as holes, gullies, and piles of dirt develop on the outside of corners. The track can generate dust on dry dirt or become more slippery after being watered. The ideal trajectory changes throughout the race. All these variables complicate coming up with an effective race strategy.
Preparation for these events began last week as some 1,400 drivers participated in races over this past weekend to get a feel for the track surface as well as help a good portion of the drivers who will race next weekend to discover and become familiar with the track surface. The NCWTS drivers will take part in two practice sessions on Friday and race in one of four qualifying heats on Saturday afternoon to determine the grid for the Saturday night main event. The extra practice and heat races will help drivers familiarize themselves with the track before setting off for 150 laps in an unfamiliar racing surface for many of them.
Raphael Lessard has spared no effort to prepare for his first professional race on clay.
"GMS Racing takes this race very seriously. I'll be driving the dirt-prepped truck that won the last NCWTS race run on dirt at Eldora Speedway (New Weston, Ohio) in 2019 with Stewart Friesen at the wheel. As far as my driving is concerned, we did some dirt testing last month in a "Modified 604" with about 400 hp, quite an introduction to dirt! Then, for the last two weeks, I have been driving a "Micro-Sprint", a small car that weighs almost nothing and runs very quickly with a 600-cc motorbike engine that spins at 15,000 rpm and surprised me with its performance. At the beginning, we ran with a big spoiler over the driver and then removed it on Monday, to better mimic the low downforce of the trucks on a rather slow track like on the dirt at Bristol. I was able to practice with the Chevrolet drivers like Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman and with other GMS Racing drivers, which was really good for me," says Raphael Lessard with enthusiasm.
The qualifying process
The qualifying procedure promises action, as the accumulation of points over the four heat races will determine the grid positions for the main race. A random draw will start things off by determining grid positions for each heat race, and drivers will accumulate points in two ways:
This method of determining the starting grid gives a fair result based on the performance of each driver and compensates for the bad luck of a driver forced by the draw to start at the back of the grid in his heat race. For example, a driver who starts last and wins a heat race with 10 starters earns 10 points for the win and 9 more for improving his position, for a total of 19 points. He would thus be almost guaranteed to start the main race on the front row or even on the pole.
Event: Pinty’s Dirt Track Race, race 4 of 22 (150 laps – segment of 40 | 50 | 60 laps)
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway (Tennessee, United States – 0.5-mile banked oval)
Date| TV:
** RDS and the RDS DIRECT digital service present every NCWTS race on the 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
The Race From the Driver’s Seat
“The truck was running great early in the race and throughout the first stage. I was able to run on the quicker inside line, something that I could not do in last year's truck. I was up to 11th place and really thought that I had a flat tire when the vibration started, and I first had to pit for a new set. The team then told me that the old tires were OK, but the vibration was still there and getting worse as the race wore on, and the car would not run at its normal full speed. Then, near the end of the race, I felt a big hit at the rear as the failed differential ended my race with a bang with only a few laps to go.”
“The team is always ready with a good truck, and we are due for a good result. Thanks to Richelieu Hardware for their help and we will see you at Bristol for the dirt race. I'm really looking forward to it,” explained the driver of the No.24 Richelieu Hardware Silverado.
Date: Saturday, March 20
Event: FR8 Auctions 200
Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Georgia, United-States – 1,54-mile trioval)
Format: Three stages of 30 |30 | 70 laps
Start | Finish: 23 | 39 (completed 124 of the 130-lap race)
Winner: Kyle Bush from Kyle Bush Motorsports (Toyota)
Next Race – Bristol Motor Speedway – March 27, 2021 (On dirt)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email:
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“Richelieu Hardware is pleased to reaffirm its support for Raphael and his team for the 2021 season. This ongoing commitment will allow him to drive a truck bearing exclusively the RICHELIEU colours during the Atlanta race on March 20. We all wish him the best of luck in achieving a well-deserved podium finish,” according to Richard Lord, President and CEO of Richelieu Hardware.
For Raphael Lessard, this renewed cooperation presents an ideal opportunity to further develop this win-win relationship. “I am very pleased to see Richelieu Hardware reaffirm their confidence in our team and come back to help us for this race. Partnering with leaders in their industry such as Richelieu Hardware is key to the success of our endeavour. I am convinced that this partnership will help both parties achieve their business and sporting goals.”
This is the second time the Saint Joseph de Beauce driver has visited the Atlanta oval. In 2020, Raphael Lessard was running in the top-5 group with two laps to go when a flat tire set him back to 18th place at the finish. On the plus side, that race was a great learning experience for the young driver as he prepares for this coming event.
“The track surface at Atlanta is extremely hard on tires. You have to take advantage of the first few laps on new tires to gain positions, but always think about saving something for the end of a stage and especially the end of the race. We are driving at around 186 mph on the straights with very little downforce, which reduces grip everywhere. You can really feel it when braking at high speed on entering pit lane. You also have to be very careful not to go over the speed limit in the pits, something NASCAR is quick to penalise. Overall, my team and I did a good job in Las Vegas and really improved the truck for the last segment, which is promising for this race and the rest of the season. We are ready to win,” added to Raphael Lessard.
Event: FR8 Auctions 200, race 4 of 22 (130 laps – 30/30/70-lap stages; 200 miles)
Piste: Atlanta Motor Speedway (Georgia, United States – 1.54-mile oval)
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2:30 pm (EST)
Coverage: live on RDS, FS1, radio MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR
**RDS and RDS DIRECT (a numeric channel) will show every race in the NCWTS 2021 schedule.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
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“I made a mistake and I apologize to the other victims.
Let’s move on to Atlanta and get back to racing!”
The Race From the Driver’s Seat
“I felt that the truck was not working well right from the start. Handling was good at the bottom of the track, but turbulence and a bad oversteer pushed me up the track and forced me to slow down in the middle of the corner, which ruined my corner exits. I finished the first stage in 20th position and the second in 16th despite the suspension modifications and other adjustments made by the crew in the pits at the end of stages 1 and 2,” explained the Silverado #24 Camping World driver.
“The truck was working better and better in the third stage and I was pushing hard to gain positions. With 38 laps to go, I hit David Gilliland who was running on my inside, and lost control. It was my mistake and I apologize to the other victims of the incident,” concluded a driver disappointed with his mistake that cost him dearly.
Next Race – Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 20, 2021
After this difficult race, Raphael Lessard and his Silverado #24 from the GMS Racing team move on to the Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton, Georgia), another fast 1.5-mile oval similar to the Las Vegas Speedway, for the March 20 running of the FRB Auctions 200.
Date: March 5, 2021
Event: Bucked Up 200 (race 3 of 22)
Track: Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5 mile oval)
Stages: At laps 30 |30 | 74
Start/Result: 13th | 30th (completed 130 of the 134-lap race)
Winner: John Hunter Nemechek fromKyle Busch Motorsports (Toyota)
Photo Credit: GMS Racing
High Resolution Pictures: https://cutt.ly/ylD21On
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Ménard, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard inc.
Business Consultant, Raphael Lessard Racing
Mobile: 819.448.6514 – Email: jmenard@caissiemenard.com
Follow Raphael Lessard:
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Les changements observés seront les suivants :
Une pandémie qui a des répercussions sur le long terme
Déjà au printemps 2020, la pandémie paralysait le milieu sportif québécois obligeant la Corporation à annoncer le report de la 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Laval 2020 et de la 56e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Rivière-du-Loup 2022.
SPORTSQUÉBEC a procédé à l’évaluation des impacts de cette pandémie sur le Programme des Jeux du Québec, estimant que celle-ci se ferait sentir à long terme et affecterait notre milieu pendant encore plusieurs mois. Pour cette raison, la Corporation est convaincue que la décision permettra aux prochains milieux d’organiser des événements de qualité pour les jeunes athlètes. Nous estimons d’ailleurs que ce report sera bénéfique pour la ville et le Comité organisateur de Rimouski qui nous avaient partagé leurs préoccupations entourant l’élaboration de leur Finale en cette période incertaine.
À cet effet, monsieur José Arsenault, président du Comité organisateur de la 57e Finale, mentionne : « Ce report nous permettra de travailler dans des conditions plus optimales afin d’offrir une Finale à la hauteur de nos ambitions. À la suite de consultations auprès de tous nos partenaires, force a été de constater leur appui pour le report des Jeux d’une année. D’ici là, serrons-nous les coudes et on se donne rendez-vous en 2023 pour une Finale à la hauteur de ce que Rimouski est capable d’offrir. » La ville de Sherbrooke avait également mentionné, durant son processus de candidature, son désir de voir la 58e Finale reportée.
« Les circonstances actuelles ont obligé SPORTSQUÉBEC à prendre une décision difficile, mais nécessaire. En effet, il est important pour nous de collaborer avec nos partenaires et de les soutenir en leur offrant les meilleures conditions possibles pour réaliser leur Finale. Nous désirons que l’expérience des jeunes athlètes soit la meilleure possible grâce à ces changements. En reportant les prochains Jeux du Québec, nous souhaitons permettre aux prochains milieux hôtes d’organiser un événement d’envergure qui sera le moins possible affecté par le climat actuel, et ce, dans un délai raisonnable. » Julie Gosselin, présidente de SPORTSQUÉBEC
Les Jeux du Québec, événement phare pour le développement des athlètes du Québec
Étape importante dans le développement de nos jeunes sportifs, depuis maintenant 50 ans, la Finale des Jeux du Québec est un événement qui regroupe une importante communauté. En effet, chaque Finale accueille près de 3 300 athlètes représentant 19 régions du Québec, 1 200 officiels et missionnaires qui les encadrent ainsi que 2 500 bénévoles qui contribuent à la réussite de cet événement.
Pour information et entrevue :
Rémi Richard
Directeur général adjoint
SPORTSQUÉBEC
Cellulaire : 438-497-6265
rrichard@sportsquebec.com
Tout en étant conscient que chacun doit faire sa part pour limiter la propagation, nous sommes préoccupés des effets du confinement que notre consultation a démontré sur la santé et la motivation des étudiants-athlètes.
Voici les principaux résultats du sondage auquel plus de 300 étudiants-athlètes de l’Alliance Sport-Études ont répondu :
Ces résultats confirment que le sport joue un rôle fondamental dans leur bien-être, leur équilibre et leur santé physique et mentale. Nous sommes inquiets que plus les mesures seront en place longtemps, plus la santé et la motivation des étudiants-athlètes déclineront. Nous croyons que nos partenaires sportifs seraient en mesure d’assurer un retour graduel du sport qui soit à la fois sécuritaire pour les personnes vulnérables et bénifique pour la population, en particulier les jeunes.
À propos de l’Alliance Sport-Études
L’Alliance Sport-Études, reconnue par les ministères de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, regroupe 45 collèges, le Cégep à distance et 9 universités. Sa mission est de soutenir la réussite et la persévérance des athlètes québécois de haut niveau qui poursuivent des études postsecondaires. Plus de 1 400 étudiants-athlètes provenant de la Ligue de hockey junior majeur du Québec et de plus de 50 fédérations sportives y sont inscrits.
Source :
Sébastien Fyfe
Directeur général
Alliance Sport-Études
514 212-8505
sfyfe@alliancesportetudes.ca