Grand rendez-vous unifié: 564 participants gathered at McGill University

On Saturday, March 28, as part of the Healthy Communities program and the competitive network, Special Olympics Québec was at the McGill University and Collège de Maisonneuve Sports Centre for the third edition of the Grand rendez-vous unifié. 

A total of 342 athletes with autism or intellectual disabilities and 285 university and college students studying health, sports, and education came together for a unique experience combining sports, health, and inclusion. 

Already recognized throughout Québec, the Healthy Communities program received the 2025 Émergent Hippocrate – Jean-Paul Marsan Award, honoring a health innovation that tangibly transforms access to services for a vulnerable and marginalized population.

At the heart of this event is a unique approach where sports serve as a gateway to health: 

• Unified soccer bringing together athletes and students;
• Basketball, swimming, and track and field competitions, supported by McGill University teams;
• A boccia competition for our school and community partners in the Montreal area.
• Screening clinics in physical therapy, health promotion, and dental health, in collaboration with various faculties at McGill University.
• Training in first aid, provided by medical students from the University of Montreal as part of their community health internship.

The health clinics offered during the Grand rendez-vous unifié are having a lasting impact on future healthcare professionals. Under the guidance of their instructors, 178 health students gained valuable hands-on experience, developing essential skills while working with clients who have specific needs. This experience aims to contribute to the development of a more inclusive healthcare network.

Through Healthy Communities, Special Olympics Québec offers a recognized and replicable model of social innovation that sustainably brings together sports, education, and health services. 

Thank you to our partners for making the day a success:

McGill Nursing;Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences McGill University; McGill School of Physical and Occupational Therapy; McGill Intramurals and Varsity; Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology (Concordia University); Faculté de médecine de l’Université de Montréal 

Photo credit: Ariane Cabana