New godfather, Gay Games, and solidarity program mark a turning point for the LGBTQ+ volleyball in Montreal. For over twenty years, Volley Boréal has been bouncing balls and breaking down barriers in the world of sports. One of the most established LGBTQ+ volleyball leagues in Quebec has just announced three major initiatives that reflect its vitality: the arrival of an iconic godfather, significant participation in the upcoming Gay Games, and the creation of a program to make sports practice more accessible.
Officially created in 2004 in Montreal, Volley Boréal was born from the merger of several historic gay volleyball clubs in the metropolis. Over the years, the league has structured itself and built a loyal community of players while positioning itself as an inclusive and safe sports environment. Unlike some traditional sports clubs, Volley Boréal has always maintained an LGBTQ+-friendly approach, refusing any discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, or economic status. This commitment has allowed the league to build a strong reputation in the community sports sector. Today, this history serves as a springboard for new development and outreach projects.
Pascal Clément, an inspiring godfather
In this expansion drive, Volley Boréal announces the arrival of its very first godfather and official spokesperson: Pascal Clément. A well-known figure in Quebec volleyball, Clément has left his mark on the sport as a high-level athlete, university coach, and director of operations for the Laval Rouge et Or club. He is also one of the first openly gay coaches in Quebec volleyball. Today a photographer, speaker, and consultant, he remains very involved in various community initiatives, especially among young people. For him, this commitment to Volley Boréal is part of a personal journey of transmission. “After more than 40 years in volleyball, I have received so much. Today, as a retired and openly gay coach, sponsoring an LGBTQ+ and ally league is my way of giving back and celebrating inclusion in sports,” he said. This collaboration, made possible thanks to the support of Guillaume Proulx Goulet, executive director of Volleyball Quebec, marks an important moment for the league, which aims to increase its visibility in Montreal and across the province.
Heading to the Gay Games with Team Montreal
Volley Boréal is also preparing to reach a new milestone on the international stage. The league will participate in the upcoming Gay Games in Valencia under the Team Montreal banner. Nearly forty Volley Boréal athletes will be part of this delegation. Team Montreal brings together several LGBTQ+ sports and leisure organizations in the greater metropolitan region. Its mission is to support its members, encourage their participation in international sporting events, and promote an inclusive, accessible, and discrimination-free environment. For Volley Boréal, this presence at the Gay Games represents more than just competition. “It’s an opportunity to showcase on the global stage the values that define the league: diversity, equality, and athlete development, regardless of their identity or background,” explained Ludovic Bouché from Volley Boréal.
A program to make sports accessible
Beyond sports performance, the league also aims to address the obstacles that may prevent some people from practicing a sport. It is with this goal in mind that Volley Boréal will launch its new Solidarity Program this year, with the official announcement taking place at its first annual gala scheduled for June 7.
The concept is simple: provide partial or complete financial support to cover registration fees for league activities to individuals facing economic or social constraints. To fund this initiative, the organization is reaching out to the community and partners through various initiatives: donations, scholarships, sponsorships, and fundraising events. Among these, the highly anticipated Bingo Boréal events will make a comeback, with the first one taking place on April 23 at Graine Brûlée at 7:00 pm.
A model of inclusive sports
With the arrival of a recognized godfather, significant participation in the Gay Games, and the launch of an accessibility program, Volley Boréal confirms the direction it wants to take: one of an inclusive, community-oriented, and globally open sport. Through these initiatives, the league pursues a clear objective: to offer a space where sports performance coexists with respect, authenticity, and the joy of playing together. Over twenty years after its creation, Volley Boréal proves that a sports club can be much more than just a training ground: a true community engine.
INFO | www.volley-boreal.net
