My name is a Erika Vigneux, and I am just one of the many concerned parents in Windsor and Essex County that received a phone call Friday saying the program that our children were registered to start in September 2025 is cancelled. This situation affects not only my family directly, but many others in Windsor, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Harrow, Essex, Lakeshore, and other surrounding areas. My daughter was very much looking forward to starting at the Lajeunesse hockey academy in September. This was more than just an education to her, it was her passion. We had registered and even paid the fees, purchased uniforms, extra hockey equipment. She has been looking forward to this for well over a year, picturing the many opportunities it would present for her, only to learn that this program is no longer an option. It has devastated her, and many other students, as well as any future students who were looking forward to applying for these programs in the upcoming years.

The sports academies at the French Catholic school board in Windsor and Essex County have provided an immeasurable service to our community. They’ve continuously helped in nurturing talent and creating an active and healthy lifestyle for students. However, recently it came to our knowledge that the funding for the sports academies is being cut. This not only affects my daughter; it affects hundreds of talented student athletes who use these programs to grow both physically and mentally.

National data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows that regular physical activity in youth aged 5-17 years can increase strength and endurance, help control weight, reduce anxiety and stress, increase self-esteem, and may even improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These sports academies have been filling this crucial need in our community.

We cannot allow this cut in funding to happen. Sports and education should not be a luxury, but a given right to every student. We urge the French Catholic school board and relevant funders to reconsider this decision. Let us ensure that every student has the chance to pursue their athletic and academic dreams together. Sign this petition to stand with us against the defunding.

We also urge you to email the superintendents for the french catholic school board, demanding that these programs be reinstated at both Lajeunesse and L'Essor. The english and immersion school boards are still offering these programs. So why are our kids being disadvataged, all because they are trying to pursue an education in the french language.

Nicole Laroque at:  laronico@cscprovidence.ca

Micheline Limoges at: limomich@cscprovidence.ca

Carolyn Bastien: bastcaro@cscprovidence.ca