Inauguration of the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Centre

Inauguration of the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Center

We look from left to right: Michel Angersmayor of Shawinigan; Lucie De Bonsmunicipal councilor for the Rocher district; Jonathan L’Heureuxbrother of Patrice L’Heureux; Jean-Yves Tremblaymunicipal councilor for the district of Les Hêtres and member of the Commission for Leisure and Community Life; Louis-Jean Garceaumunicipal councilor for the Boisés district and president of the Toponymy and Civic Recognition Commission.

Inauguration of the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Centre

Shawinigan, Thursday, May 2, 2024 – The City of Shawinigan today dedicated the Patrice-L’Heureux Community Center, formerly known as Saint-Jean-Bosco (located at 1580, 10e Avenue, in the Grand-Mère sector). This name change honors a Shawinigan boxer who made his mark on the Quebec boxing world by becoming the Canadian heavyweight champion in 2004.

The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives of the six community organizations tenants of this centre. Dozens of members of Club Xboxe, including some who had the chance to meet Patrice L’Heureux and even train with him, were also in attendance.

“A community center is a gathering place. It was important to my council colleagues and I to rename this place in honor of a local personality who shone in our community and across the country. It is also a nice nod to do this today, because it is National Sports and Physical Activity Day, a topic that is close to our hearts in Shawinigan, emphasizes mayor Michel Angers.

“We wanted to recognize the journey of a great sportsman who captured the imagination of the people of Shawinigan in boxing. I want to thank Jean Ricard, of Club Xboxe, who submitted this request, and all the members of the municipal council and the commission for this much deserved civic recognition, adds the chairman of the Boisés district and the president of the Toponymy Commission, Louis-Jean Garceau.

“Patrice was proud of her roots, proud to be from Shawinigan. I am very grateful that the city has offered this honor to my brother, says Jonathan L’Heureux. “He is a great example of resilience because beyond appearances, my brother believed in his abilities and knew what he was capable of! »

About Patrice L’Heureux (1972-2018)

Boxer from Shawinigan, Patrice L’Heureux won the Canadian heavyweight boxing championship in 2004, a title that had not been won by a Quebecer since the 1960s. Beyond the wins and losses, the boxer nicknamed “Granite” became a darling of boxing fans in the mid-2000s thanks to his charisma and heart in the ring.

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Source:
Eve Chamberland
Department for Communication and Citizen Relations
Town of Shawinigan
819 536-7200 | information@shawinigan.ca