ALTERGO EXPERTISE is a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on promoting social inclusion and accessibility in sport, leisure, and cultural activities for people with various functional limitations. Established as a registered charity, it supports individuals with hearing, intellectual, motor, visual, language-speech, mental health, or autism spectrum disorders, regardless of age.

Mission and Activities

ALTERGO's mission centers on facilitating the participation of people with disabilities in sports, leisure, and cultural events by removing barriers to access. It aims to enhance the quality of life for people with functional limitations by promoting active lifestyles and social inclusion.

One of the organization's flagship initiatives is the Défi sportif AlterGo, an annual adapted sports event held since 1984. This event brings together over 6,000 athletes, ranging from school-level participants to elite competitors, from across Québec, Canada, and internationally. The Défi sportif AlterGo is recognized as the largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities in Canada. Alongside the event, ALTERGO organizes year-round activities to increase opportunities for physical activity among young people with functional limitations.

Organizational Structure and Partnerships

ALTERGO collaborates with over 130 municipal recreation organizations and services in the Greater Montreal area to deliver its programs and services. The organization operates with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability in managing its resources, which include subsidies, sponsorships, and donations.

The nonprofit actively engages in partnerships with businesses and organizations to support its initiatives. Donations play a crucial role in sustaining the organization’s efforts toward universal accessibility, social inclusion, and recognition of the abilities of people with disabilities.

Impact

ALTERGO contributes significantly to raising the profile of Montreal and Québec as major centers for adapted sports accessible to all athletes with functional limitations. Its programs foster opportunities for physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance social integration for people with disabilities.

Overall, ALTERGO EXPERTISE stands as a vital institution in Canada’s landscape of adapted sport and cultural inclusion, known for its pioneering role in facilitating equitable access to recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.