Article from Montreal Times
AJOI is finalizing the preparations of the ninth edition of Les Jeux de la rue de l'Ouest-de-l'Île, which are free sport tournaments for youth ages from 12 to 25 years old. The winning teams of the preliminary tournaments will represent the West Island at the final regional competitions of Les Jeux de la rue in Montreal, scheduled August 14th.
Les Jeux de la rue de l'Ouest-de-l'Île are a team of eleven animators assuring their presence in the West Island parks all summer, allowing young people to take ownership of the public space in a positive way and to create new relationships based on respect of themselves, others and their environment.
New AJOI animator
It's the case of Will, our new AJOI animator, who had participated as a player in the tournament for more than five years from now. He is now part of the team with great pride. He shares his thirst for victory with several anecdotes including one where he almost achieved his goal despite the withdrawal of three of his teammates.
The following year, he won the soccer tournaments finals; “I remember one year when I was offered a bus ticket in return for my help during the barbecue. I met people about my age that were cool, inclusive and involved. I then understood that this event was more than just a sport tournament, it was actually a place where I could get to know people who want to have fun, share good times, but especially to leave me the necessary space to contribute to the well-being of my environment, in my own way. I immediately felt at home and wanted to be part of this team of leaders”, said Will with enthusiasm.
For the past nine years, AJOI has offered free recreational activities throughout the year on the West Island of Montreal; these sporting activities are held in open gyms during the school year, and Les Jeux de la rue de l'Ouest-de-l'Île during the summer period.
