It's my way of giving back to society.

This month, we are thrilled to present Joël Bélanger, the man, the volunteer, the head coach at the 300 km for LIFE! Since 2014, Joël has been a pillar of the Cité de la Santé Foundation, always ready to pedal for a good cause.

“It's my own way of giving back to society,” he declares with disarming simplicity.

One Wednesday evening, I find myself face-to-face with Joël at the Foundation's offices. Relaxed, far from the hassles of professional life, he tells me, with a wry smile, about his adventure with 300 km for LIFE. Like his partner Alain, Joël is a coach for the rally.

“I wasn't always the athletic specimen you see before you today,” he jokes.

“Without realizing it, I was following the model of my father, who worked hard for his family but didn't really take care of himself.”

With a touch of emotion, he adds, "My father died at 49. I was fifteen. And there, without wanting to, I was reproducing his path. I was overweight, and my doctor gave me a warning that woke me up. So I started out with a bit of running, then quickly got hooked on cycling. It's been my passion ever since.

At Cité-de-la-Santé, you can feel the hard work!

“The cancer affected me very closely because my mother died from it. I also have friends who are currently being treated at the City of Health Hospital. What impresses me most is the coordination between departments, it’s like a well-choreographed dance. It makes you want to roll up your sleeves and do your part.”

Joël and Alain launched the 300 km for VIE without hesitation. “I can put my passion for cycling to work for a cause I care about. And let’s be honest, I love this challenge. The organization is just amazing! Everything is planned in every detail, and the course is a real treat. It is an honour to contribute to all of this.”

For Joël, the 300 km is not just an event, it has become a part of him. “It’s time well spent,” he says with a little spark in his eyes.

I do this for others but, one day, perhaps, for me too

“I do it for others, but who knows the future, maybe one day it will be for me or someone close to me.”

What he loves most is the coaching aspect.

It is really rewarding to see someone adopt a more active lifestyle thanks to me. We bond, laugh and support each other. Our team of coaches is really great, and then we make friends among the cyclists and at the Foundation.

Thank you, Joël, for your involvement!