QUÉBEC CITY, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Québec City's own Jean Bédard will be competing in the biathlon at the 2015 Winter World Masters Games in Québec City. Father of Olympic biathlete Marc-André Bédard, Jean is new to the sport but ready to take his game to the next level.
We met up with Jean Bédard at the Club de biathlon Courcelette joined by his son, the talented Marc-André Bédard, set to leave for the Östersund World Cup in Sweden. As you may remember, Marc-André was on the biathlon team in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Not only a proud father, Jean Bédard is also an experienced cross-country skier who competed at the regional and provincial levels between the ages of 15 and 17. He tried his luck in the biathlon last year. Since that time, he has been a frequent competitor in events like the Eastern Canadian Championships in New Brunswick in 2013, Masters category. He is eager to participate in the Games in Québec City. "The 2015 Winter World Masters Games in Québec City are an opportunity for me to take part in an international-level competition. It's a dream come true—in my hometown, no less!" says Bédard.
He may have an eye on the podium, but the message Jean Bédard has always wanted to convey to his son is that, more than the spirit of competition, sports is about the love of the game. This is an important lesson for any athlete at any level. "First and foremost, I love sports—even more than biathlons. And I'm always at my best when I'm having fun," says Marc-André. "What has always been important in our family is a love of the game. They may not be competitors, but even my brothers love sports and are in great shape, and they pass those values down to their own children."
Though he might be more concerned with enjoying the competition than with winning, we still hope to see Jean Bédard on the podium!
About the Winter World Masters Games
More than 20 countries will be represented during the Winter World Masters Games in Québec City January 31 to February 8, 2015. Sports on the program include are alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, curling, ice hockey, long track skating, marathon skating, short track skating, triathlon, snowshoeing (demo sport).
Organized by International Masters Games Association (IMGA), the Winter Masters Games will be held for the second time, the first were held in Bled in 2010. The Summer Masters Games are held every four years since 1985.
Image with caption: "Mr. Bédard poses with his son Marc-André. He will compete at the Masters Games in biathlon. (CNW Group/Société du Centre des congrès de Québec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141127_C8834_PHOTO_EN_8646.jpg
SOURCE: Société du Centre des congrès de Québec
Ann Cantin, Québec City Convention Centre, Director, Communications and Marketing, 418 649-7711, ext. 4054, [email protected]
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