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2014 Ironman Ironworker Competition: Our Ironworkers in the Spotlight

Pride is certainly the word that pops into my mind when I recall the faces of participants to the Ironman Ironworker, last August 16. How proud they were to show their spouse, children and friends how demanding is the ironman’s work. Let me tell you about the success of that first edition...

The day started early for the volunteers, whom I want to thank here profusely: Andréanne, Benoît, Bernard, Christian, Christine, Francis, Félix, Jenica, Joëlle, Justin, Luc, Manon, Martin, Pierre, Philippe, Sophie, and Vicky. There were so many things to do: installing the playground for the kids, setting up the registration booth, putting up the tent, laying tables and chairs for the lunch, and preparing for the competition events. I would even say that our volunteers worked as hard as the competitors! Within a few hours barely, we were ready to welcome our guests on the selected site: the parking lot at AGF headquarters in Longueuil.

The most visually striking element of our installation certainly was the crane, graciously offered by Grues Guay, a 170-foot mast with basket, offering guests a superb view of our installations, as well as the whole area. Crane tours were without question the most popular activity, of course after the competition itself.

Back to the competition, this first year was a remarkable success. We had enough participants to make up three teams, who competed against each other through 4 different challenges: main structure assembly, tying race, column assembly and bars transportation on a 100-foot distance from their point of origin. The guests were witnesses to a great camaraderie, a ferocious competitive spirit, some pride and so many smiles!

The event concluded with a barbecue lunch under the tent, with the generous presence of an emerging young singer, Audrey-Louise Beauséjour, who interpreted about 10 songs for us. Door prizes and participation prizes were awarded, especially to our winners.

All in all, that first edition gathering 150 people allowed us to collect $3,573 for the AGF Group Foundation: $2,100 given by sponsors, and $1,473 earned through sales on site. Thanks to all participants, and to our sponsors (in alphabetical order) Aramark, AS Bond 003, Grues Guay, Hilti, ITR Acoustique, Quincaillerie Demers, and Tractel, for that great success.

We hope to see you next year for the second edition!

Eric St-Amant, for the organizing committee (Sophie, Martin, Benoît, Justin and Eric)