Publication Date
Encouraging Youth to Get Moving by Donating a Soccer Field
Jonathan Legault, President of ITI, Eric Martin (Metal7), Pascale Lavoie (PwC), Maxime Detraux (PwC) and Guillaume Duchesneau (Ingeno) participated in the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie 2024, during which they raised more than 30,000 $ for a project close to their hearts: the installation of a synthetic soccer field in the schoolyard of École Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc.
ITI, through the ITI Foundation, has developed a close relationship with this school in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood since the company provided digital equipment for their specialized classes and their learning hub.
When I visited the school to see the impact of the digital tools provided by the ITI Foundation, I heard about their project for the schoolyard. In my view, there are two things that are extremely important for young people’s success: equitable access to technology — something we’re working on with the ITI Foundation — and the need to move, to thrive through sports. I discussed it with my team for the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie, and we decided to sponsor École Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc for our Challenge 1000 km 2024.
Sports as a Tool for Inclusion
The project, led by the management of École Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc and its governing board, involved installing a synthetic surface over the existing asphalt, making the schoolyard not only more fun but also safer for the children. But it’s more than just a soccer field: it’s a true educational and social initiative that has taken shape.
We are an inclusive school. It is important for us to connect students from regular classes with those in specialized programs. Sports are perfect for this, as they dissolve differences and academic barriers, enabling all students to collaborate. Also, soccer is an accessible sport for families with limited means, since it does not require expensive equipment. We can already feel the excitement for soccer among our students. Many young people play during lunchtime in our mini-league created by our physical education teachers. Our new outdoor field will be an extension of all these efforts.
A Legacy for the School, but Also for the Neighborhood
In the area around the school, there are few parks where children can play safely, and even fewer soccer fields. While the CF Montréal stadium is only a few blocks away, the courtyard of École Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc will certainly be used by neighborhood residents outside of school hours and throughout the summer.
This is a tremendous gain for our school, but also for the entire Hochelaga-Maisonneuve community. The children can hardly believe it! On their behalf, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Maxime Detraux from PwC and Jonathan Legault from ITI during the presentation of the donation to École Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc.
