The mastermind behind the relaunch of baseball in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Jimmy Laliberté, saw all his efforts rewarded a few weeks ago. The Regroupement Loisirs et Sports (RLS) Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean awarded him the Dollard-Morin leisure and sport volunteer of the year prize.
After a call for applications launched last spring, Jimmy Laliberté found himself part of a group of five finalists for the 2024 Dollard-Morin prize.
“I was surprised to receive this award. There are people who have a lot of baggage and who have been involved for a very long time who were also candidates to receive this award. I’m really moved, it’s a great achievement and a great recognition. I put in a lot of time and effort, I like it when things move forward. We don’t do all this to receive prizes, but receiving one motivates us to continue,” says Jimmy Laliberté, visibly very emotional.
Many hats
The winner was chosen by the RLS because of his numerous implications in the revival of baseball in the upper part of the Lake. Not only does he wear the hat of president of the Association, but he also wears that of recruiter in connection with the creation of the board of directors and that of the coaching team. He is also a coach himself, and offers his supervision and support to all the coaches of the Association.
Added to this is his search for funding, which led to an update of the facilities as well as the creation of a logo and new uniforms for the Dolbeau-Mistassini teams.
“A few years ago, Jimmy undertook something bigger than himself. With leadership, energy and positivism, he was able to bring his ideas to fruition. He never gave up or stopped believing during difficult times. Today, minor baseball in his community can, thanks to him, count on structure, facilities and uniforms. He is the leader who ensures that from now on, many young people can have fun and develop through baseball,” mentions the RLS in a press release.
The President of the Association, however, shares this prize with the entire team behind him.
“It’s truly a team award. I know I’m very involved, but to get to where we are today, it would have been impossible without all these people who are also involved. I thank the coaches, parents and young people who trust us, who also give their time, as well as our partners who support us in this project. »
