The Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie (GDPL) invited people to take walks around the province this weekend, and Quebecers heeded the call.
According to a GDPL press release, La Grande Marche saw “record participation from municipalities with 106 host cities” and 92,000 registrations. The rallies took place on October 13th, 14th and 15th in Saguenay, Quebec and Montreal.
Walkers had the choice of using the five-kilometer routes set up by the host cities or participating virtually from home in one of the three days of the event at a time of their choosing.
Performances by SAMAJAM drummers on Friday in Saguenay, Marjo in Quebec and Montreal on Saturday and Sunday got the crowd in the mood.
For his part, Pierre Lavoie was very satisfied with his participation. He feels the message he has been promoting for 15 years about the importance of an active lifestyle is being heard.
“Such participation not only from the population but also from the cities shows us that our message has a very positive impact that must continue, because the game is not yet won,” he said.
“We are privileged to count on such a credible and committed partner, the Federation of General Practitioners of Quebec. Thank you to its members, thank you also to our hundreds of volunteers and to all the people who have chosen to take their health into their own hands,” he added.
Pierre Lavoie also emphasized that the event will take place again next year.