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Committed to Fighting Child Obesity

If Simon Carrier and Patrick Lesage’s determination to carry out their project is anything to go by, it’s not surprising that these two students at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) have become a source of inspiration for many youngsters from one end of the country to the other. And to what do they owe this sudden recognition? It is not only because they succeeded in crossing Canada and back, but also because they did it to heighten awareness among youngsters of the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits in order to fight the increasing phenomenon of child obesity.

The idea began to take shape in the summer of 2005 and was inspired somewhat by the past history of one of the students. Patrick Lesage fought a personal battle against obesity during childhood but succeeded in changing tack thanks to his efforts and the support of his friend Simon. The pair became active adults and, convinced of the necessity of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, decided the time had come to help other youngsters by sharing their experience. “We had a clearly defined social mission and envisioned the possibility of cycling across the country from east to west, an approximately 7,450 km ride, and then returning by kayak, a trip of another 6,500 km or so on the lakes and rivers of Canada. The whole trek would take about 250 days and, according to our research, would be a world first,” explains Simon Carrier.

An important planning phase was then set in motion. Nothing was overlooked: the pursuit of funding, logistics, the purchase of equipment and, more importantly, an in-depth study of the problems relating to child obesity so that they would be able to convey a coherent and powerful message. And then before even embarking on their adventure, the two companions decided to present their project to students in Abitibi so as to confirm the validity of their message and make sure it aroused the interest of youngsters.

The response was immediate and positive. Even the media got involved! Throughout their journey, the two students kept in touch with different radio stations, magazines and local newspapers. They also put online a website, www.puresaventures.com, which they updated regularly so that youngsters could follow their progress. Simon and Patrick were thus able to establish close ties with young people and encourage them to continue in their steps towards acquiring healthy lifestyle habits.

Upon returning, the two colleagues gave nearly 120 talks in different schools and businesses in Québec and Ontario, reaching out to more than 7,500 people. The talks were adapted according to the audience and the two students developed different pedagogical tools to help them get their message across, such as plays, slide shows and videos. “Our talks captivate the attention of youngsters because the principles are conveyed through the emotions of real-life experience,” asserts Simon.

“Patrick and Simon’s adventure and the great many youngsters they encountered in schools are clear examples of their determination, leadership and social commitment,” states FranÁois Gendron, Member of the National Assembly for Abitibi-Ouest.

The project, exceptional in itself, is merely the beginning for these two students. “A number of promising ideas are currently under discussion that will allow us to remain focussed on our mission,” concludes Simon. It just goes to show that, even after their expedition, they continue to pedal and paddle for the cause of youngsters.

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