With Federal and Regional Support
CARLETON-SUR-MER, QC, April 27, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Most of the course for the next Raid international Gaspésie (RIG) is in the magnificent Parc national de la Gaspésie. Further to an agreement with the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec, the Société de développement et de mise en valeur de Carleton-sur-Mer (SDMC) and Endurance Aventure will be providing quite the playground for the 170 athletes expected in September 2017.
For over a year, RIG organizers have been working closely with park staff to pay tribute to this regional gem. The park, which is celebrating its 80th birthday this year, is known as a hiking hotspot in Quebec. Its extremely rough terrain and majestic tundra landscapes dotted with barren peaks rising over 1,000 metres will dazzle participants. "With its eco-friendly approach to the event and the international visibility it provides, RIG is completely in line with the interests of the Parc national de la Gaspésie," stated Pascal Lévesque, Director of the park."
After encouraging participants in the Desjardins Youth Prologue on Thursday, September 7, 2017, the athletes will race through the park on Friday and Saturday. They will complete their search for the checkpoints on Sunday in Carleton-sur-Mer, where activities will be held for race participants.
Organizers are already working on subsequent years in order to provide the best courses for the race. They have talked with representatives from the Rocher-Percé RCM and the Matapédia–Les Plateaux sector. "We are pleased to announce that these areas will be explored in 2018 and 2019."
Federal and regional support
The Parc national de la Gaspésie is in Haute-Gaspésie, so the local development centre (CLD) of that RCM joined forces with the financial partners: the Avignon RCM, Tourisme Gaspésie and the Town of Carleton-sur-Mer. "Raid international Gaspésie brings people together," stated Allen Cormier, Warden of the Haute-Gaspésie. "We are pleased to be associated with an event that values our natural landscapes, our products and our culture, while leveraging local initiatives."
Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Métis–Matane–Matapédia, announced that $570,000 in financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has been granted for the next three years. "In only three years, Raid international Gaspésie has already become very popular and made quite a name for itself in the region. The participants, spectators and media from Canada and around the world have been drawn in by the beauty of the competition sites, the professionalism of the organizers and the warm hospitality of the Gaspésie residents." He further stated that CED's financial assistance will contribute to the Raid for the next three years and help in continuing to promote this competition and Gaspésie's assets on the national and international markets.
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, echoed this sentiment: "The Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports projects and events that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy. By supporting the Société de développement et de mise en valeur de Carleton-sur-Mer to ensure the success of Raid international Gaspésie, the Government of Canada is helping strengthen the vitality, dynamism and renown of our communities while stimulating economic activity."
The RIG 2016 movie
The SDMC and Endurance Aventure are taking the opportunity to launch the RIG 2016 movie. The impressive television team of eight camera operators directed by Vincent Tremblay and Marc Plante, who won a Gemini Award for best sports program during the Sochi Olympic Games, make us experience intense emotions. They capture the essence of this larger-than-life human adventure. Some of the images, such as the final climb of Mont Saint-Joseph, zoom in on the incredible effort put out by the athletes; a distinctive moment that will be broadcast on 70 TV channels around the world.
The film première will be screened at the Quai des arts, free of charge, on Thursday, April 27, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Brief overview of the RIG
The Raid is an endurance and orienteering race for teams of two with technical assistance. In three days, raiders have to cover 300 km or 150 km running, swimming, bicycling, canoeing and zip-lining.
Watch the trailer and get hooked on this adventure!
SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Daniel Labillois, Spokesperson, [email protected], 418-364-3341, ext. 8725, Cell: 581-886-0590; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: 514-283-7443, Email: [email protected]; Alain Bernier, Coordinator, [email protected], 418-364-7073, ext. 235, Cell: 581-886-0519
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