Press Release

Montreal, March 16 2023 - Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and the Aléo Foundation joined forces today to announce the creation of eight honorary grants to support high-level Quebec student-athletes in their academic and athletic careers. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group will provide an annual financial contribution of $40,000 for two years to support the creation of these grants. This means that a potential total of sixteen athletes will share a sum of $80,000 in 2023 and 2024. The initiative is aligned with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group's desire to support the athletic excellence of student-athletes who perform in a discipline related to the shows, such as artistic or rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, diving and trampoline.

"We are very proud to support Quebec's sporting excellence and the development of local athletes. We hope that this bursary program will enable the recipients to achieve their sporting goals and showcase their discipline and talent on the highest podiums," said Caroline Couillard, Global Head of Public Relations, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

This alliance is also intended to be a bridge for the professional transitions of the Aléo Foundation's grant recipients. "Cirque du Soleil has been recruiting high-level athletes at the end of their careers since its creation. There are many similarities between the work of a competitive athlete and the various circus professions, including discipline, rigor, perfectionism, and the search for the perfect moment. From this perspective, it was only natural for us to join forces with the Fondation Aléo to create these grants," adds Richard Lepage, Senior Director of human performance design and management at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

"Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an unparalleled partner for the Aléo Foundation. The Quebec flagship is certainly an employer of choice for our scholarship recipients, not only for the direct link to the circus professions, but also for all other functions in the company. The skills and competencies acquired as athletes are tools that can be applied in the workplace, an extraordinary asset recognized by the company," adds Patricia Demers, Executive Director of the Fondation Aléo.

About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group 

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. In addition to producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Through its creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to impact people, communities, and the planet positively. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit CDSentertainmentgroup.com.   

About Aléo Foundation

Created in 1985, the Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) has awarded more than 20 million dollars in bursaries to nearly 4000 student-athletes from all over Québec. With the objective of solidifying its mission of elevating athletes beyond sports, the FAEQ changed its name and likeness in 2022, becoming the Aléo Foundation. In addition to continuing to provide financial support through its various bursary programs and services, Aléo aspires to provide a personalized approach to helping student-athletes flourish in a safe environment and in every aspect of their lives.

Contact :

Marie-Noëlle Caron
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

marie-noelle.caron@cirquedusoleil.com

Patricia Demers
Executive Director
Fondation Aléo
514-252-3171, ext. 3728

patricia.demers@fondationaleo.ca

For more information: fondationaleo.ca and the official Fondation Aléo pages:

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