On Saturday, Parc Maisonneuve was filled with more than footsteps — it was alive with purpose, unity, and celebration as people came together for the annual TROIS, 2, 1, GO race.
The TROIS, 2, 1, GO! race, is the largest annual fundraiser for the Regroupement pour la Trisomie 21 (RT21). It’s more than just a race — it’s a powerful expression of community and inclusion.
Participants of all ages ran or walked distances of one kilometre, 2.5K, 5K, or 10K to support people living with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome.
The event has raised over $1 million since it began. Funds help RT21 deliver affordable, high-quality support and services for individuals with trisomy 21 and their families across Quebec.
Celia Goodhue, family coordinator at RT21, says the event is about much more than money.
“The three, 2, 1, go! race is a celebration of inclusion and community in a fun and active setting,” she said.
RT21 supports people with trisomy 21 throughout their lives — from early childhood to adulthood. Their programs include family gatherings, support meetings, and day programs for youth and seniors.
“We’re supporting people with Trisomy 21 from birth to their entire life,” said Goodhue. “We have about 120 volunteers helping, more than 2,000 people here. We’re so happy and we’re hoping we’re going to raise a lot of money because it’s our biggest fundraising event of the year.”
Last year, the event raised $113,000, and the organization is hoping to surpass that in 2025.
Maxime Le Flaguais, spokesperson for the event and a well-known face from film and television, says the day is deeply emotional.
“People come here to run… one kilometre, 2.5 kilometres, five kilometres and 10 kilometres. And it’s for Down syndrome — we tend to say nowadays trisomy 21,” he explained.
“This is my 12th year. It’s really moving to see the solidarity, like people coming together and really supporting each other. I often cry when I see beautiful families getting together — a lot of love, you know?”
For Le Flaguais, it’s a simple but powerful gesture to show up and support.
“People are so grateful… it’s just half a day in the year. It’s really easy for me to come.”
Tatiana Prados, a mother of three, including a child with trisomy 21, has participated in the event since her daughter was less than a year old.
“For us, I think this event is very important. It brings us joy, inclusion and belonging to a community,” she said.
This year, they joined the one-kilometre race — the perfect distance for their young family. “We can walk and we can do a little jogging, and all kids can participate as well,” she said.
Looking around at the festive atmosphere, Prados said the feeling was one of hope and unity.
“Everybody’s smiling, everybody enjoying themselves… it brings a great feeling. Even for our other kids, they can see like, ‘Oh, we’re not the only ones that are like this.’”
Her message to others: “Everybody’s different, but we’re all the same. We’re all people. We’re all family. We all belong in this big community.”
Felipe Melo ran both the five-kilometre race and the one-kilometre with his daughter Julia, who has trisomy 21.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for integration, to join the community, to have fun,” he said. “We’re really proud of her.”
Julia wore a T-shirt from Brazil that read, Everyone fits in this world. For her family, it’s more than a slogan — it’s a belief.
“People who are not related to anyone with Down syndrome, supporting the cause — I think it’s very important for the community to give that extra and show that they’re part of the world as everyone else.”
RT21’s work doesn’t stop after the race. Goodhue says the organization fights every day to build a more inclusive world.
“We’re 14 people working really hard for this nonprofit to make sure people with trisomy 21 can shine and that people can actually see their potential,” she said.
“They can hold jobs. They can be a part of our society. That’s what we’re working really hard every day to make sure we can achieve.”
She encourages any family in need of support to visit trisomie.qc.ca or call 514-850-0666.
