ETSB Director General Christian Provencher leads by example
Raises $960 by biking 130km in the name of healthy living
When people enter into the field of education, it is because they have the needs of the students at heart and a desire to be a positive influence.
Eastern Townships School Board Director General Christian Provencher went the extra mile this summer. Actually, the exact calculation was 130 kilometers.
Provencher participated in le Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie this past summer, a fundraising bike ride during which he raised $960, pedalling to inspire a healthy lifestyle for ETSB students.
Provencher was one of 140 cyclists from the Réseau du sport Étudiant (RSEQ) who did the 130km loop in July.
In total, Provencher said the event had 6,000 people cycling to promote healthy habits and encourage fitness.
Provencher explained that a condition for participation is to affiliate with a school. After approaching sponsors, he put out a call and Sherbrooke Elementary School answered.
Previous winners of the energy cube challenge, another branch of the Pierre Lavoie organization, SES was happy to align with Provencher and cheer him on in his efforts.
Marc Ghilarducci, one of SES’ physical education teachers, said the money raised by Provencher will be used for the purchase of various sports equipment. He added that the school has a strong basketball program and some new basketballs will definitely be on the list.
“I pride myself in elementary schools in initiating kids to sports,” he said, adding that encouraging the students to be active is a priority at the school. There are over 50 students at SES signed up for lunch sports and 40 involved in the afterschool running program, according to Ghilarducci.
When asked about his biking history, Provencher admitted he is more of a runner.
“I try to run four or five times per week,” he said, explaining that a 130km bike ride in one day was a lot, but he was up for the challenge.
When asked if he plans to sign up again next year, Provencher said he likely would, and added that he would like to see other ETSB members join him.
Ghilarducci pointed out that there is a group of six ETSB teachers planning to do a similar ‘défi’ in the coming months, this time running. The six runners will participate in a relay, running a total of 120km, again in the name of leading by example and staying fit.