Jean-benoît Jubinville is 2018 Honorary President of Cancer Society’s ‘Great Spin’

The Canadian Cancer Society's Great Spin Sherbrooke fundraising campaign is back for a 6th edition with the ambitious goal of raising $100,000 to support those living with cancer in the Estrie.

On Saturday, February 17, Great Spin will return to the Maxi Club Sports Club in Rock Forest.

This honourary president of this year’s stationary bike challenge is Jeanbenoît Jubinville, a cancer survivor and Director of Sport Programs at the Triolet High School and Director of Athlete Services at the Aspirant level for Excellence sportif Sherbrooke ( ESS).

This spinning event is a perfect fit for Jubinville, who has been working with young athletes for years and who knows physical training and its impact. In addition to teaching healthy lifestyle habits, he prepares young athletes to persevere despite obstacles, having faced the challenge of a lifetime in February 2017, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"I am happy and touched that they thought of me. I want to donate my energy and show that we are always stronger in groups. I am competitive by nature and I believe without a shadow of a doubt that we will meet and exceed this year's goal," he says.

The Great Spin: a goal of $100,000

"Every year, volunteers have been generous and dedicated and this year is no exception,” says organizing committee co-chair Mylène Vachon,. “We have an incredible brigade with the same ultimate goal of raising $100,000 for the cause. I know that with teamwork and the hope of making a difference, we will get there.” Last year, the event raised more than $94,500 for the fight against cancer and brought together more than 250 participants, cycling for at least an hour, alone or in teams, for the cause.

Information and online registration is available at grandspindon.ca and on the event’s Facebook page.

In total, 10 such events will be held in February 2018 throughout Quebec. Guided by a coach and encouraged by energizing music, participants pedal, alone or in teams, depending on the specific challenge. With a level of intensity adapted to the physical condition of each, the activity is open to all. With the support of 300,000 annual donors and 30,000 volunteers, the Canadian Cancer Society is the Quebec cancer organization with the potential to save the most lives. Every year, more than two million Quebeckers turn to the Society for help. in Estrie, in 2015, 89 per cent of those affected benefited from CCS support services.

The money raised by the CCS allows for the prevention more cancers and for campaigning for more laws that protect health. It is also used to fund research projects, and to support more people affected by cancer. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call 1 888 939-3333.