Patrice Bernier and his friends | “He is one of the real good guys”

It’s hard to refuse an invitation to play soccer with Patrice Bernier. Especially when it’s for a good cause. Public figures from all walks of life and from all networks came together to support the new Patrice Bernier Foundation.

Nicholas Richard
The Press

The former captain of the Montreal Impact held Sunday the fifth edition of Patrice Bernier and his friends, an indoor soccer tournament for the benefit of his new eponymous foundation.

About forty personalities divided into four teams were vying for victory.

Beyond having been able to attract more than a hundred supporters to the Center Pierre Charbonneau, Bernier was especially happy to have been able to convince personalities from different networks to take part in the event. Employees of The PressTVA Sports, RDS, Radio-Canada and 91.9 Sports were pleased to join the famous number 8 in his quest to make a difference.

“It shows that it’s unifying, explained Bernier before playing his first game. You may be a member of the media, an animator or an artist, but it proves that sport can bring everyone together for a good cause. »

For the captain

Many former teammates of Patrice Bernier were part of the four squads. Among them, there was Hassoun Camara, who was one of the most productive players of the day, but that remains only a detail. The important thing was to make an act of presence.

“The main thing is to do useful work and help the poorest populations, it’s a great day,” said the former number 6 before playing the finals.

For him, it was out of the question to miss an opportunity to support his captain.

“Patrice means a lot to me, he is an emblematic captain, but above all my friend. It was obvious for me to be here. »

Wandrille Lefèvre holds the same speech. The former defender was honored to be among the guests.

“Patrice has had visibility and an echo in the community for many years. Yes for his performances on the field, but also because he has always been a leader in the community. He has always inspired people and he continues to do so with his foundation. »

What he finds most admirable about Bernier is that he doesn’t use his status to be in the spotlight. He prefers to shine the light on those who deserve it or who don’t have enough of it.

Another pair of sleeves

Among the best-known athletes, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Marie-Ève ​​Dicaire, Mélodie Daoust and Étienne Boulay were notably present at the Center Claude Charbonneau.

“I’m here for entertainment, I hope my team doesn’t count on me for productivity on the field,” laughed Étienne Boulay, just after the warm-up period, he who played in the same team. than Bernier and Camara.

“Sport is basically very unifying, but I think we also all wanted to do it for Patrice, who has been organizing this event for five years. Plus, it’s very family-friendly,” he added.

“I saw Patrice play, I saw him evolve, I know how much of an impact he has in the community. He is one of the real good guys,” said the former Montreal Alouettes color holder.

For pleasure

Comedian Jean-Thomas Jobin is another who was present more for the Foundation than to impress the gallery with his sporting prowess.

“I’m in denial about my abilities, I prefer not to expect too much,” he joked before stepping onto the field.

“Maxim [Lapierre] challenged me with his gaze, that’s why I’m here, “he explained when the former Habs player and host of The blue pocket passed nearby.

“More seriously, all the elements were combined for me to come and play. It’s fun, it’s for a good cause and everyone seems happy to be here,” said the winner of the first season of Big Brother Celebrities.

A long-term job

Patrice Bernier and his team are holding the event for the fifth time. This kind of organization requires a lot of work upstream, but it is good to see that the classic makes a real difference in the lives of many people in need.

“I’ve often attended this kind of hockey game and I wanted to transpose it to soccer and invite people from all walks of life to change the image of soccer a little. »

Over the years, Bernier has contributed to the development of the Maison d’Haïti, organized workshops, in addition to helping the Fondation Bon Départ which helps young people, among others.

Now he has his own foundation, a wish he had cherished for a long time.

“I want to give hope to young people, give them great experiences and offer them beautiful moments. We want to be able to help them in the field and support them adequately on their journey. »

Patrice Bernier is a hero for many young soccer players, but he is also one for his friends, who proved it to him this weekend.