For this commemorative September article, I will tell you about two activities created from the early days of the ARP: the Corn Roast and, a little later, the creation of Basketball for children under 12.
From its first year of existence, the Association organized a corn roast at Parc du Méridien, the only developed park at the time. Sponsored by the Metro store on Boulevard Cité des Jeunes, then owned by the Caron family (there were no grocery stores on the Plateau yet), the activity took off with contagious and sustained enthusiasm, as it still continues after 30 years. A few years later, Maxi et Cie would take over the sponsorship.
Animation, face painting, music, and various entertainments would give the event a carnival atmosphere and a unique appeal. From the beginning, some 300 to 400 participants would gather in a spirit of conviviality and cordial exchanges. And it's this spirit that still exists today at the heart of various activities... people talk to each other.
Then, in 1998, a volunteer named Jean Forgues joined the board of directors and proposed establishing Basketball for children under 12 at the gymnasium of the Plateau elementary school, which had opened the previous year. Following some administrative steps with the school management to gain access to the gymnasium and with the City to ensure protocols were respected, the activity began and immediately attracted several children motivated by this sport. Once again, an excellent way to develop a sense of belonging among the neighborhood's youth!
This activity would earn the Innovative Activity of the Year Award given by the City of Hull a year later.
Finally, I take this opportunity to invite you in large numbers to the next Corn Roast.
Marc Jacques Girard
Co-founding President of the ARP
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