Stair climb challenge for Centraide at PVM = The 21st RBC Challenge for Centraide of Greater Montreal was held recently at Place Ville Marie (PVM) and attracted 500 runners and 10 pro-athletes. Participants were divided into teams of 10 runners. The goal was to beat the 2014 record of 2 minutes and 38 seconds for climbing the 41 floors of the skyscraper. “A record was broken, not for the climbing, but for the money raised, ” a spokesperson said. “This edition raised $325,000 for Centraide’s Campaign – $15,000 more than last year.”
RBC contributes to community wealth by supporting a wide variety of community initiatives through donations, investment, sponsorships, and employee volunteer work, awarding millions to causes around the world. So 500 enthusiastic corporate employees went toe to toe with 10 professional athletes and Olympic medallists in the RBC Relay race up the steps of PVM. The money raised by Centraide is invested locally to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion in Greater Montreal.
The large office and shopping complex in the heart of downtown Montreal has an observation terrace on the 44th floor offering a panoramic view of the city. The trek up 1000 steps is no easy climb under any circumstances. The heart-pumping competition boasted some of Canada’s best pro-athletes making the challenge that much more daunting. The team of pro-athletes included Joelle Bekhazi (water polo), Claudia Holzner (synchronized swimming), Lizanne Murphy (basketball), Marie-Philip Poulin (hockey),Sandrine Mainville (swimming), Lex Albrecht (cycling), Caroline Ouellette (hockey), Jacqueline Simoneau (synchronized swimming), Antoine Valois-Fortier (judo), and Dori Yeats (wrestling).
The 2014 record time of 2 minutes, 38 seconds to the top of the building wasn’t beaten with the team of athletes who climbed all 41 floors clocking in at 3 minutes, 12 seconds. Still, everybody gave it their best shot to help the less fortunate. “Participants were very proud of their achievements and are already looking forward to next year’s event,” she said.
For more information: centraide-mtl.org.
Feature image: Olympic medalists Caroline Ouellet and Marie-Philip Poulin during the relay race up Place Ville Marie for Centraide.
By: Deborah Rankin – info@mtltimes.ca
