Last Friday, the nation paused to remember the 35th anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre, a somber occasion that resonated deeply across Quebec and the entire country. In a poignant tribute, Ann-Renée Desbiens, the Montreal Victoire goalkeeper, unveiled a new mask that honors the 14 young women who lost their lives in this tragedy. The mask features 14 beams of light, reminiscent of the luminous tribute that lights up the sky every December 6th from the peak of Mount Royal.
“I often celebrate those who have achieved success and left a lasting legacy in Quebec’s history,” Desbiens shared during a press conference at the Verdun Auditorium following the team’s practice on Monday.”But it’s equally vital to acknowledge the more challenging chapters in our story.By highlighting women, I’m paying homage to a moment that profoundly impacted women across Canada.”
The new mask, a striking symbol of remembrance, serves as a powerful reminder of the lives cut short and the ongoing need to address gender-based violence. Desbiens’ gesture has been met with widespread admiration, as she uses her platform to keep the memory of the polytechnique victims alive and to inspire conversations about the importance of gender equality and safety for all.
As the nation reflects on the Polytechnique massacre, desbiens’ tribute stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of solidarity in the face of tragedy. Her actions encourage us all to remember the past, to learn from it, and to work together to create a safer, more equitable future for everyone.
For more details on how you can support initiatives that combat gender-based violence and promote equality, visit the Equality Now website.
Montreal Victory’s goalkeeper, Ann-Renée Desbiens, 30, has unveiled a unique tribute to the victims of a tragic event that shook the foundations of women’s education. The idea was sparked by a close associate of the organization who was personally affected by the incident, though Desbiens chose to keep the identity of this individual confidential. After consulting with her teammates and club members, the concept took shape and was executed with heartfelt dedication.
“These women were trailblazers in their own right,” Desbiens reflected. “Access to education for women has not always been a given. The fact that they had the courage to pursue their studies, only to be met with such a devastating outcome…” Her voice trailed off, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily.
Desbiens’ tribute is a poignant reminder of a less-than-ideal chapter in history, one that is crucial to remember. ”I thought it was a fitting way to honor something that, while not as uplifting as the rest of my mask, is significant to keep in our collective memory,” she shared.
Desbiens’ gesture is a testament to the resilience and strength of women who have paved the way for future generations. It serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and a call to action for continued progress in gender equality and education rights.
As the U.S. audience reflects on Desbiens’ tribute, it’s a poignant reminder of the shared history and ongoing struggle for women’s rights across the globe. her actions underscore the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future.
In a captivating image, three women, clad in hockey jerseys, gaze intently at the horizon, their jerseys bearing the surnames Dion, Petitclerc, and Casgrain. This snapshot is more than just a picture; it’s a tribute to the legacy of women who have left an indelible mark on the sport and society.
Desbiens, the artist behind this homage, shares, “I wanted to step away from the usual hockey narrative. Last year, I celebrated hockey trailblazers like Kim St-Pierre, Manon Rhéaume, and Caroline Ouellette. This year, I decided to take a diffrent approach.”
Her focus shifted to Thérèse Casgrain, a feminist activist who fought for women’s suffrage in Quebec, achieving success in 1940. Desbiens also pays homage to Chantal Petitclerc, whose Paralympic achievements left a lasting impression on her during her formative years.
And what about Celine Dion? ”I don’t think I need to justify this choice!” Desbiens exclaims with a laugh. “Especially considering her Olympic performance and the remarkable courage she has shown over the past few years, it’s truly exceptional.”
International Break
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The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season is in its early stages, but activities have been paused for about ten days to accommodate international competitions. This break allows players to represent their countries if called upon.
Victory’s Sandra Abstreiter has joined the german team, aiming to secure Olympic qualification against Norway.Simultaneously occurring, Anna Kjellbin and Lina Ljungblom, both Swedes, opted to remain in Montreal, despite invitations to the women’s Euro Hockey Tour in Finland.
“At this stage, it was more beneficial for me to stay here for these two weeks,” Kjellbin explains. “We were in the process of moving this weekend. Relocating to a new country is a significant undertaking,and I believe that,it will be favorable for both me and the team.”
Montreal’s La Victoire Seizes early Season Break to Strengthen Team Chemistry
Despite the early-season break, the Montreal-based women’s soccer team, La Victoire, is using the downtime to enhance team unity and training intensity. The squad is leveraging this prospect to build stronger bonds and improve their overall performance.
“To have those 10 days as a team to build that chemistry, bond, get to know each other a little better and have some tougher practices, I think that’s critically important. It’s difficult, but I think it will help everyone improve,” said forward Laura Stacey.
Head coach Kori Cheverie echoed Stacey’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this period for the team’s growth. “We do our best to make every day meaningful,” Cheverie added. “We have a lot of things to work on, and we are at the stage of building our identity. The habits we want to have when playing aren’t quite solidified yet. so it’s a pretty good time.”
Next Match on December 21
La Victoire is scheduled to play its next match on December 21, when they will travel to Toronto to face the Scepters. The team is optimistic that the extended training period will pay off on the field.
The team’s focus on building a strong foundation and improving their game will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming match and the rest of the season. Fans can expect to see a more cohesive and competitive La Victoire squad as they take on the Scepters in Toronto.
Honoring History: An Interview with Ann-Renée Desbiens on Her Tribute to the Polytechnique Victims
In a powerful act of remembrance, Ann-Renée Desbiens, the goalkeeper for Montreal Victoire, unveiled a unique tribute to the 14 young women who lost their lives during the Polytechnique massacre.As the nation pauses to reflect on this somber anniversary, we delve into Desbiens’ motivations and the importance of her tribute in our exclusive interview.
The Importance of Remembrance
Senior Editor:
Thank you for joining us, Ann-Renée. The new mask you unveiled is a striking symbol. What inspired you to create this tribute?
Ann-Renée Desbiens:
Thank you for having me. The idea was sparked by a close associate affected by the incident,although I chose to keep their identity confidential. After discussing it with my teammates, we focused on creating something meaningful that honors the legacy of those women.
Acknowledging the Past
Senior Editor:
Your phrase, “it’s equally vital to acknowledge the more challenging chapters in our story,” stands out. Can you elaborate on why you believe this recognition is crucial?
Ann-Renée Desbiens:
Absolutely. Remembering the past helps us understand the progress we’ve made and the challenges that persist. The Polytechnique massacre was a devastating event that had a profound impact not just on Canada, but globally, particularly in the context of gender equality and education rights.
Symbolism in Your Tribute
Senior Editor:
The mask features 14 beams of light. What do these beams represent for you and your team?
Ann-Renée Desbiens:
The beams symbolize the lives cut short and the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence. Each beam represents one of the victims, creating a collective memory that we hope inspires discussions about making the world a safer place for everyone.
Inspiration from Trailblazers
Senior Editor:
Your tribute appears to draw inspiration from women who have made significant contributions to society. Can you tell us more about the women you chose to highlight?
ann-Renée Desbiens:
I wanted to step away from the typical hockey narrative and instead highlight women like Thérèse Casgrain, a feminist activist, and Chantal Petitclerc, a Paralympic champion. Celine Dion also represents strength and resilience in the face of adversity, which reflects the spirit of those we honor.
Encouraging Conversations for Change
Senior Editor:
What message do you hope your tribute sends to the community, especially to those advocating for gender equality?
Ann-Renée Desbiens:
I hope it encourages conversations about gender equality and reminds us of the progress we still need to make. It’s vital to recognize not only the successes but also the struggles that women have faced. By remembering the past,we can work towards a more equitable future.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor:
As we reflect together, what next steps can fans and supporters take to assist in promoting gender equality and preventing violence?
Ann-Renée Desbiens:
It’s crucial to engage in conversations, support initiatives that promote gender equality, and advocate for educational rights. I encourage everyone to take action, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply raising awareness.
visit Equality Now for more details on how you can support initiatives combating gender-based violence.
