From August 22 to 25, a Saint-Zotique resident took part in the 10th edition of the Desgagnés Kayak Challenge to benefit the students of the Jeunes musiciens du monde organization. Interview with Vincent Lemieux, who took up the challenge by kayaking the 250 kilometers between Montreal and Quebec City. 

At the end of this adventure, the $500,000 goal set by the organizers was surpassed. To date, a total of $555,145.98 has been raised. 

On a day-to-day basis, Jeunes musiciens du monde is an organization that helps young people from high-risk backgrounds to develop their socio-emotional skills and project themselves positively into the future through the free learning of music. According to its website, Jeunes musiciens du monde aims to help each student develop a sense of social belonging, self-esteem and autonomy, with a view to finding the motivation he or she needs to realize their dreams and participate constructively in something greater than themselves.

“We left the Old Port of Montreal on Thursday, August 22, bound for Baie de Beauport in Quebec City, arriving four days later on Sunday, August 25. We covered an average of 60 kilometers a day, about 30 km in the morning and the same in the afternoon. There were 200 of us taking part in this unique escapade,” he begins, noting that each participant had to raise $2,000 before setting off. 

Why did the young man let himself be tempted by this experience? “It was my first time taking part. I decided to sign up because I'm very involved in extracurricular sports. I'm not at all a musician at heart (laughs), but I completely embrace the mission of Jeunes musiciens du monde. I also believe in the positive impact of a passion in a young person's life,” confides the man who heads the organization that manages the Centre sportif Soulanges in Saint-Polycarpe. 

By his own admission, the Défi Kayak Desgagnés is the most physically and mentally challenging adventure he has ever taken part in. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone for the cause. It's important because it gives young people from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds access to music lessons in their schools via teachers, but there are also social workers who can help them through their issues.” 

What impressed him most about this first participation? “We were able to learn more about the concrete impact of this challenge, because one of the former beneficiaries of Jeunes musiciens du monde, who was able to take music lessons thanks to this sporting initiative, was taking part with us. It was really cool to hear him tell us about his experience.” 

What does he take away from the experience? “That even if you think a challenge is unattainable, like paddling 250 km down the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City, you can succeed if you're well supervised and put in the effort. I'd like to thank the volunteers and organizers of the challenge.Everything was well organized and safe for us, the participants. We had a superb experience thanks to them.” 

Will he do it again next year? “I'm going to take a break from kayaking, but I'm not saying no to taking on another sporting challenge for a good cause.” 

In closing, Vincent Lemieux invites those close to young people who would like to take music lessons not to hesitate to contact Jeunes musiciens du monde for help and support.If necessary, the organization's staff will refer young people to other resources likely to help them better.